Canada-based AtkinsRéalis Group has concluded a key collaboration agreement with Électricité de France (EDF). The agreement, which will expand the existing strategic partnership between Canada and France and better integrate their respective industries, will cover both pre-technology and post-technology vendor selection processes. It will include:

  • Engineering support
  • The provision of non-reactor equipment
  • Sharing of best practices
  • Installation and commissioning services
  • Engagement between the centres of excellence of each organisation

Both companies will continue to compete on reactor technology vendor selection processes where appropriate or when asked by governments and developers in support of global efforts to transition to low-carbon energy.

“This collaboration agreement with a world-class organisation like EDF is a game-changer for the nuclear industry and makes good strategic sense,” said Ian L Edwards, AtkinsRéalis President & CEO. “There is a global need for more cleaner, affordable and reliable energy that can only be achieved with nuclear power. Only by scaling up our efforts can we address the need for more low-carbon energy and for global market demand of 1,000 large and small reactors.”

Joe St Julian, AtkinsRéalis President, Nuclear, noted: “AtkinsRéalis is already working with EDF in the UK and France as a strategic partner in their new nuclear build programme. This collaboration strengthens our relationship and will enable both organisations to extend international capacity, while harnessing their collective expertise and technical capabilities, to support the next wave of nuclear generation in the coming years.”

Vakis Ramany, EDF’s Senior Vice President International Nuclear Development said: “The deepening of our partnership with AtkinsRéalis underscores EDF’s commitment to steering progress in the nuclear industry alongside our valued Canadian partner. By combining their global and complementary expertise, knowledge and skills, both our companies demonstrate their dedication to fostering innovation and bolstering both our nations’ nuclear capabilities for enhanced energy sovereignty and security. The power of working together will drive us forward in Canada, in Europe and around the world.”

AtkinsRéalis is the parent company of Candu Energy and the sole commercial licensee of the Candu intellectual property portfolio. It has led all Candu reactor life extension projects to date globally, including projects in Asia, North America, Europe and South America. All of Canada’s NPPs are based on Candu reactor technology.