AtkinsRéalis Moves to License CANDU Reactors in U.S., Targeting Data Center and Industrial Power Demand
Event summary
- AtkinsRéalis submitted a Notice of Intent to the U.S. NRC on June 24, 2026, to begin licensing its CANDU® reactor technology in the United States.
- The Enhanced CANDU®6 design is a 700+ MW-class pressurized heavy water reactor with nearly 1,000 reactor-years of global experience.
- AtkinsRéalis is engaging U.S. utilities and hyperscale data center operators to evaluate deployment opportunities at existing nuclear sites.
The big picture
AtkinsRéalis' move to license its CANDU technology in the U.S. aligns with growing demand for reliable, low-carbon baseload power from data centers and industrial users. The company's focus on existing nuclear sites and supportive policy frameworks could accelerate deployment timelines, but success will depend on regulatory efficiency and competitive positioning against SMR developers.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Timelines
- How quickly the NRC will process AtkinsRéalis' licensing application, given the U.S.'s evolving nuclear policy landscape.
- Market Adoption
- Whether U.S. utilities and industrial users will prioritize proven CANDU technology over emerging small modular reactors (SMRs).
- Geopolitical Impact
- The pace at which the U.S. can reduce reliance on foreign uranium enrichment through natural uranium-fueled CANDU reactors.
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