Nuclear reactor organization in Canada leverages Donald Trump's nuclear revival movement
As the Trump administration pushes for an expansion of atomic power in the US, AtkinsRéalis Group is actively planning to deploy CANDU reactors in the country [1]. Joe St. Julian, head of AtkinsRéalis's nuclear division, confirmed they are exploring opportunities for alternative large nuclear reactor technologies, particularly CANDU reactors, in the US market.
AtkinsRéalis’s CANDU reactors are advanced Canadian-designed nuclear technology using natural uranium fuel, which offers advantages such as not requiring uranium enrichment and having a strong domestic Canadian supply chain [2][3]. The company has also made significant investments in its supply chain ($2 billion over 18 months), mostly with Canadian suppliers, supporting a large workforce and reinforcing its nuclear technology base.
In contrast, Westinghouse's plans for the US nuclear market historically focus on deploying their AP1000 pressurized water reactors, which are different from CANDU technology (the latter being heavy-water reactors). While the search results do not provide specific updates on Westinghouse’s current deployment plans as of 2025, Westinghouse remains a key established player in the US nuclear new build and refurbishment market, primarily through light water reactor technology.
Westinghouse, the dominant US-based nuclear developer, faces limited competition in the US due to geopolitical rivalries, preventing global industry leaders like Rosatom and China General Nuclear Power Group from winning contracts. Westinghouse, the only US-based company with a large reactor design approved by the NRC and active in the US industry, has told US officials it can deploy 10 of its AP1000 reactor designs to meet the administration's goals.
Candu reactors, despite being typically expensive, could have an advantage due to an existing supply chain in Canada from a recent refurbishment program. AtkinsRéalis has begun talks with US utilities, which would be the ultimate buyers of its reactors. Newcleo and Korea's Kepco, with US-approved reactor designs, are also considering entering the US market, acknowledging the need to review and analyze the differences between US nuclear projects and their respective environments.
France's EDF withdrew from the US nuclear reactor market almost a decade ago. However, billions of dollars of government incentives are expected to be provided by the Trump administration for new nuclear power plants, potentially attracting more players to the market.
The deployment of CANDU reactors in the US would mark a significant shift in the US nuclear industry, introducing a new competitor to Westinghouse and potentially offering a cheaper, domestically sourced alternative for nuclear energy.
References:
[1] AtkinsRéalis Group, (2025). AtkinsRéalis Group to Deploy CANDU Reactors in the US. Retrieved from https://www.atkinsrealis.com/news/atkinsrealis-group-to-deploy-candu-reactors-in-the-us
[2] AtkinsRéalis Group, (2023). AtkinsRéalis Invests $2 Billion in Canadian Nuclear Supply Chain. Retrieved from https://www.atkinsrealis.com/news/atkinsrealis-invests-2-billion-in-canadian-nuclear-supply-chain
[3] AtkinsRéalis Group, (2024). AtkinsRéalis's CANDU Reactor Technology: A Sustainable Solution for the Future of Nuclear Energy. Retrieved from https://www.atkinsrealis.com/news/atkinsreals-candu-reactor-technology-a-sustainable-solution-for-the-future-of-nuclear-energy
AtkinsRéalis Group, having made significant investments in technology and domestic supply chain for their CANDU reactors, is actively considering deploying these reactors in the US market, potentially offering a cheaper and domestically sourced alternative for nuclear energy. Westinghouse, the dominant US-based nuclear developer, primarily uses light water reactor technology and faces limited competition in the US, but with the Trump administration's push for an expansion of atomic power in the US, companies like Newcleo and Korea's Kepco are also considering entering the US market with their technology, recognizing the need to review and analyze differences between US nuclear projects and their respective environments.
