Why CANDU

CANDU is Canada’s homegrown nuclear reactor technology. Developed by Canadian scientists, engineers and industry, CANDU reactors have provided reliable, emissions-free electricity for decades while supporting thousands of skilled jobs across the country.

AtkinsRéalis is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and steward of the Canadian-owned CANDU® technology – a pressurized heavy water nuclear reactor.

With over 1000 years of combined operations, CANDU reactors have been used to generate electricity for more than 60 years with operating units in Canada, Romania, Argentina, China and South Korea.

CANDU is more than a source of electricity. It is a Canadian technology platform that supports domestic manufacturing, engineering expertise, fuel production and a nationwide nuclear supply chain.

Choosing CANDU helps keep economic benefits, jobs and critical energy infrastructure under Canadian control.

CANDU technology supports a highly skilled workforce across engineering, manufacturing, construction, operations, professional services and the skilled trades. More than 250 Canadian companies contribute to the CANDU supply chain, creating economic benefits that reach communities across the country.

Each new CANDU project generates thousands of high-quality jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity, helping to sustain Canadian expertise in one of the world’s most advanced industries. From uranium mining and fuel fabrication to engineering, construction and long-term operations, CANDU creates opportunities throughout the entire nuclear value chain.

By investing in Canadian technology, Canada invests in Canadian workers, businesses and communities – strengthening domestic industrial capacity while building the infrastructure needed to power future economic growth.

The CANDU supply chain has been mobilized via the billions spent since the Darlington and Bruce Power refurbishments began with more than $2.73 billion Canadian dollars’ worth of purchase order issued since January 2024 alone.

Approximately 89 percent of that goes directly back to Canadian businesses and supply-chain.

Energy sovereignty means having the ability to power our economy using infrastructure, resources and expertise that remain under Canadian control.

CANDU is Canada’s only homegrown large-scale nuclear technology. It leverages Canadian uranium, Canadian expertise and a Canadian supply chain while supporting thousands of skilled jobs across the country.

The energy infrastructure decisions made today will shape Canada’s economy and energy security for generations. Choosing CANDU means investing in Canadian capability, preserving Canadian nuclear leadership and keeping more of the economic benefits of nuclear energy here at home.

Because when it comes to strategic infrastructure, ownership matters. Control matters. And Canada’s energy future should be built on Canadian strengths.

Yes. CANDU reactors are designed to operate using natural uranium, and Canada is one of the world’s largest uranium producers.

Most of Canada’s uranium is mined in northern Saskatchewan. After mining, the uranium is processed into uranium concentrate (“yellowcake”) and transported to Canadian fuel-processing facilities. In Ontario, the uranium is converted and manufactured into fuel bundles that are then supplied to CANDU reactors operating across the country.

Unlike many reactor technologies, CANDU reactors do not require uranium enrichment before fuel fabrication. This allows Canada to leverage its own uranium resources, domestic fuel-processing expertise and nuclear supply chain without relying on foreign enrichment services.

While Canada is one of the world’s largest uranium producers, reactor technologies that require enriched uranium rely on enrichment infrastructure located outside Canada. Today, commercial enrichment capacity is concentrated in a small number of countries, including the United States, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Russia. CANDU reactors use natural uranium, allowing Canada to capitalize on its own uranium resources and nuclear expertise while maintaining greater control over a critical component of its energy future.

From a cost perspective, natural uranium also represents a major operating savings for the utilities who will not need to buy enriched fuel from abroad.

For reactor technologies that require enriched fuel, long-term fuel security depends on access to enrichment services beyond Canada’s borders.

CANDU reactors are unique in their ability to co-produce a wide variety of medical isotopes for diagnostic imaging, cancer treatment and sterilization of medical supplies. CANDU is the only commercial nuclear reactor technology that produces medical isotopes without interrupting electricity generation.

CANDU technology is critical in its production of cancer fighting isotopes, including 50% of world’s Cobalt-60 supply, essential for sterilizing medical equipment and cancer treatment.

Medical isotopes are essential for diagnosing and treating diseases, including cancer, for millions of patients worldwide. Canada’s nuclear sector is a global leader in isotope production, and CANDU reactors play an important role in supporting that capability.

By maintaining Canadian nuclear expertise and infrastructure, Canada can continue contributing to global healthcare while creating high-value jobs, advancing scientific innovation and strengthening a strategic industry with worldwide impact.

CANDU technology has been operating successfully for more than 60 years.

The first commercial CANDU reactor entered service in the late 1960s, and CANDU reactors continue to provide reliable power today in Canada and around the world.

From Ontario and New Brunswick to Europe, Asia, and South America, CANDU technology has powered communities for more than half a century. With 31 reactors built around the world and decades of proven performance, the CANDU fleet stands as one of Canada’s most successful technology exports, demonstrating the reliability, flexibility, and enduring value of Canadian nuclear innovation.

Canada

• Ontario
  • Pickering – 6 operating CANDU units
  • Bruce Power – 8 operating CANDU units
  • Darlington Nuclear Generating Station – 4 operating CANDU units
• New Brunswick
  • Point Lepreau – 1 operating CANDU unit

Global Fleet

• Romania (Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant)
• South Korea (Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant)
• China (Qinshan Phase III)
• Argentina (Embalse Nuclear Power Station)
• India (CANDU-derived PHWR technology)

CANDU reactors produce approximately half of Ontario’s electricity and the majority of its emissions-free power.

They are the backbone of Ontario’s electricity system and have helped make the province one of the cleanest large electricity grids in North America.

Safety is the foundation of Canada’s nuclear industry.

CANDU reactors have been operating safely and reliably for more than six decades under the oversight of world-class regulators and highly trained nuclear professionals. They are designed with multiple layers of safety systems and benefit from decades of operational experience, continuous improvement and rigorous regulatory review.

Canada’s reputation as a global nuclear leader has been built on a commitment to safety, excellence and public trust. CANDU reactors are an important part of that legacy.