Press Release

SNC-Lavalin announces strategic partnership with Moltex on Small Modular Reactor development, expanding nuclear energy in Canada

MONTREAL: April 13, 2022 – Candu Energy Inc., a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group (TSX: SNC), and Moltex Energy Canada (“Moltex”) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to advance the development and deployment of next-generation Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear technology in Canada, including efforts to license and construct a first of a kind waste burning SMR in the province of New Brunswick.

“Nuclear is an essential part of the world’s drive toward net zero goals. SNC-Lavalin is uniquely positioned to work with vendors at all stages of SMR development as we have more than 60 years of global nuclear expertise, access to hundreds of patented solutions, are the only company to have a reactor technology pass all three phases of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s pre-project design review and are the designer of the only licensed power reactor technology in Canada,” said Joe St. Julian, President, Nuclear, SNC-Lavalin. ‘’This includes assisting with completing designs that can be licensed, and guiding SMR designers through the regulatory process for licensing.’’

Moltex will draw on SNC-Lavalin’s world-class network of experts in engineering, licensing and regulatory affairs, cost estimating, supplier qualification and management, quality assurance, and construction and operation planning. SNC-Lavalin will collaborate with Moltex to attract new customers and promote Moltex’s business goals.

Provincial support

The agreement has also garnered recognition and support from the provinces of New Brunswick and Ontario.

“New Brunswick welcomes investment in clean energy, especially as it builds on the province’s established core of expertise in nuclear technology,” said the Hon. Mike Holland, New Brunswick Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Development. “This agreement contributes not only to the growth of long-term, high-quality jobs in New Brunswick’s energy sector; it also recognizes the leadership role of both Moltex and the province in advancing the next generation of nuclear technology.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome this new partnership between Moltex and SNC-Lavalin that builds our provincial energy industry, one renowned for its talented workforce and strong nuclear supply chain,” said the Hon. Todd Smith, Ontario Minister of Energy. “We know the world is watching us when it comes to SMRs. This partnership enhances our clean energy advantage and reputation as a global hub for SMR expertise, making Ontario an even more attractive place to do business and create jobs.”

SMRs and Net Zero

SNC-Lavalin’s  Engineering Net Zero blueprint indicates that Canada will need between 2.5-3 times the volume of electricity generation that exists today to meet its net zero targets. Nuclear power- both full-size CANDU nuclear builds, and SMRs- have a key role in meeting the demand of the net zero energy grid. As the SMR ecosystem continues to develop, SNC-Lavalin is a partner of choice in assisting SMR vendors in bringing their net zero aligned technology to market and helping it flourish.

SNC-Lavalin has endorsed Canada’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Action Plan, which outlines the development, demonstration and deployment of SMRs for multiple applications at home and abroad. Under the plan, utilities from across Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan have been working collectively to develop three streams of SMR projects:

  1. Stream 1: Reduce carbon emissions and create growth opportunities for communities connected to the grid (via early deployment of grid sized SMRs, such as the Darlington SMR)
  2. Stream 2: support advancement in nuclear technology and innovative methods to reduce nuclear by-products (via SMRs recycling their own used fuel)
  3. Stream 3: Bring affordable, clean energy to remote communities and mines (via micro SMRs)

NB Power is taking the lead on the development of the stream 2, with an expected deployment timeline at their Point Lepreau site in the early to mid 2030’s. This deployment will include the Moltex SSR-W.

About SNC-Lavalin

Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin is a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, technology and data to design, deliver and operate the most complex projects. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital – and delivered to clients in key strategic sectors such as Engineering Services, Nuclear, Operations & Maintenance and Capital. News and information are available at snclavalin.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About SNC-Lavalin’s Nuclear Business

SNC-Lavalin has over 60 years’ of global nuclear expertise, delivering nuclear technology products and full-service solutions to nuclear utilities around the world. With an innovative technology portfolio, including access to over 500 patented solutions, SNC-Lavalin solves technically complex challenges across the whole nuclear lifecycle from design and new build through asset management and from life extension and late life management through decommissioning and waste management. SNC-Lavalin operates and manages government nuclear research sites, transforming ageing infrastructure and safely managing legacy nuclear waste. SNC-Lavalin is the steward of CANDU® nuclear technology, operating on four continents, and provides advisory and engineering services to other nuclear developers. SNC-Lavalin is also involved in developing medical radioisotopes for cancer research through its partnership with TerraPower.