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 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 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).
