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In the face of growing global demand for clean, reliable energy, Canada is strengthening its leadership in nuclear innovation. Central to this commitment is the Advanced Nuclear Materials Research Centre (ANMRC), now under construction at Chalk River Laboratories in Ontario. Operated by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and funded by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) on behalf of the federal government, the ANMRC is poised to become a cornerstone of nuclear research and a major contributor to Canada’s clean energy transition. A STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE The ANMRC forms part of a long-term revitalization of the Chalk River Laboratories campus, one of the 3
largest public investments in Canadian science and technology. The new facility will span roughly 10,000 square metres and include dozens of specialized laboratories, advanced hot cells, and state-of-the-art infrastructure to enable postirradiation examination of nuclear materials. It replaces several aging research buildings that date back to the mid-20th century, consolidating their functions into a single, purpose-built complex that meets today’s rigorous technical standards. This modernization will not only improve efficiency but also advance Canada’s nuclear research capabilities well into the future. LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The ANMRC is delivering economic benefits across several fronts. In the short term, construction and procurement activities have generated significant local employment and investment. The project is being managed through an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model—a collaborative approach involving partners such as Bird Construction Inc., Chandos Construction Inc., and M. Sullivan & Son Limited—under a unified agreement that promotes cost control and schedule reliability while keeping Canadian firms and workers central to delivery. 4
Hundreds of people are currently employed during construction, with additional benefits flowing into regional supply chains. Once operational, the facility will employ a highly specialized workforce numbering in the hundreds, including scientists, engineers, and technical staff. These high-value positions will contribute to the Renfrew County economy and help develop Canada’s next generation of nuclear professionals. ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS A key outcome of the ANMRC will be its role in supporting the competitiveness and sustainability of Canada’s nuclear industry. Nuclear energy continues to play an essential role in Canada’s clean-energy mix, supplying a large share of Ontario’s electricity and supporting grid stability as the country moves toward decarbonization. The ANMRC will enable advanced research into material performance, fuel behaviour, and reactor design—critical to extending the life of existing reactors and developing new technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). As international interest in SMRs grows, the research conducted at the ANMRC will strengthen Canada’s position as a trusted partner in this expanding field and 5
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help create new export and intellectual property opportunities. SUPPORT FOR CLEAN ENERGY Nuclear energy provides a consistent, low-carbon source of power that complements renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The ANMRC will serve as a hub for developing cleaner, safer, and more efficient nuclear technologies, directly supporting Canada’s net-zero ambitions. Research at the facility will also contribute to advances in nuclear waste management, radiation protection, and environmental remediation—areas of importance both domestically and internationally. Through this work, Canada continues to demonstrate its leadership as a responsible, forward-looking nuclear nation. LEVERAGING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION As a world-class research centre, the ANMRC is expected to attract collaboration from governments, universities, and private-sector innovators worldwide. These partnerships may focus on reactor life extension, materials testing, and advanced fuel cycles. Such cooperation will not only expand scientific knowledge but also open new economic opportunities through shared research funding and technology commercialization. One of the ANMRC’s most enduring contributions will be its longevity. Designed for a lifespan extending over several decades, the facility will continually produce value through research, innovation, and training. Academic and industry partnerships will help inspire and equip the next 7
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generation of Canadian scientists and engineers. By supporting Canada’s nuclear supply chain—from precision manufacturing and robotics to materials science—the ANMRC’s influence will reach well beyond the energy sector. As of 2024–25, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) confirm that the Advanced Nuclear Materials Research Centre remains under construction at Chalk River Laboratories. Major site-preparation work, including mass excavation and backfill, was completed in 2023. The facility continues to target completion around 2028, with no official changes announced to that timeline. AECL’s most recent corporate plan describes the Chalk River revitalization as a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar effort, with the ANMRC as a central element of the renewal. Through construction progress, scientific potential, and future economic impact, the ANMRC stands as one of the most significant scientific infrastructure projects underway in Canada. By advancing research, supporting clean energy, and driving local development, it represents a lasting investment in Canada’s energy future. Learn more at www.cnl.ca Images provided by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). 9
As seen in BusinessEliteCanada.com www.cnl.ca
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