Canadian nuclear firms sign MoU on the production of heavy water

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the production of heavy water has been signed between Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), and AtkinsRéalis. This Memorandum, which brings together three of the most important stakeholders in the Canadian nuclear sector, aims to evaluate options and select cost-efficient, environmentally responsible, and viable heavy water production technologies, with the possibility of industrial-scale heavy water production facilities being built to support the deployment of a new fleet of Candu reactors, in which heavy water is used as both the moderator and as the reactor coolant. The collaboration of these firms is a huge step towards deploying large-scale nuclear power in Canada. It will contribute to the country’s objectives such as decarbonization, energy security, and economic growth, solidifying at the same time its role as a leader in the global heavy water market and its status as a Tier-1 nuclear nation.