ARC Nuclear Canada announced on 20 March that it had signed an agreement with US-based global infrastructure firm AECOM to continue its development of the Advanced Reactor Concepts ARC-100 technology.
In 2018, ARC Canada, NB Power and the Government of New Brunswick agreed to work together to explore the potential for a commercial demonstration of the ARC-100 in New Brunswick as part of a broader programme to establish the province as a worldwide “Centre of Excellence” manufacturing hub for the ARC-100 technology. ARC-100 is an advanced small modular reactor (SMR), which could be deployed in New Brunswick.
AECOM, through its Canada Nuclear Operations business, will provide architecture and engineering services to support the deployment of ARC Nuclear’s ARC-100 SMR – a 100MWe sodium cooled, fast flux, pool type reactor with metallic fuel. The design is based on the 30-year operation of the EBR-II reactor built and operated by the US Argonne National Laboratory.
AECOM has an extensive portfolio of nuclear plant experience as the engineer and/or constructor of record for 49 units totalling more than 39GW. Since 2006, AECOM has been providing engineering and construction services to support the advancement of several nuclear technologies, including next-generation nuclear reactors and SMRs. Advanced Reactor Concepts, formed in 2006, seeks to commercialise its small modular reactor of 100 MWe with a unique 20-year refuelling cycle and an ability to deal with used fuel.
ARC Canada President Norman Sawyer said: “AECOM provides us with another significant player to continue our work in New Brunswick. AECOM's decades of experience in nuclear power generation will provide the expertise and knowledge that a project like the ARC-100 requires as we enter the critical design phases.
