AtkinsRéalis Wins Contract to Build Two New CANDU Reactors in Romania

Largest CANDU Reactor Project in Decades

Project to Strengthen Romania's Energy Security and Reduce Carbon Emissions

Toronto, Canada - March 8, 2023 - AtkinsRéalis, a leading global engineering and project management company, has been awarded a contract by Nuclearelectrica, Romania's national nuclear power producer, to build two new CANDU reactors at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant.

The project, valued at approximately CAD $8 billion, is the largest CANDU reactor project in decades and represents a significant milestone in Romania's energy development.

The two new reactors, Units 3 and 4, will each have a capacity of 700 megawatts (MW) and are expected to be operational by 2031. They will significantly increase Romania's electricity generation capacity and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

The CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium) reactor is a type of heavy-water moderated nuclear reactor developed by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL).

CANDU reactors are known for their safety, efficiency, and use of natural uranium as fuel.

The project will create thousands of jobs in Romania and support the development of the country's nuclear industry.

It will also strengthen Romania's energy security and reduce its carbon emissions, contributing to the country's climate change goals.

"We are honored to have been selected for this important project," said Dr. Dave Watson, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis. "Our team has extensive experience in CANDU reactor design and construction, and we are confident that we can deliver a successful project for Nuclearelectrica."

"This project is a testament to the strength of the CANDU technology and its role in providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy," said John Gorman, President and CEO of the CANDU Owners Group.

"We are confident that the new reactors at Cernavodă will make a significant contribution to Romania's energy future," added Gorman.

The contract award is a major win for AtkinsRéalis, which has been actively pursuing nuclear projects in Romania and other countries.

The company has a strong track record in the nuclear industry, having designed and built some of the world's most advanced nuclear power plants.

With the addition of the Cernavodă project, AtkinsRéalis is now involved in the construction of four new CANDU reactors, including two in Argentina and two in Romania.