AtkinsRéalis Group said late Monday afternoon it is teaming up with the state of Indiana and Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative to explore a potential 6,000-megawatt nuclear power project that would use Canadian reactor technology.
The parties announced in a press release they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore developing a complex with up to eight CANDU® nuclear reactors to generate baseload energy in Indiana.
Such a project is still a long way from reality as the press release said the MOU will result in “initial discussions to evaluate potential deployment scenarios for CANDU nuclear technology in the state.” CANDU reactors have been operating across the globe for about six decades, according to the release. CANDU stands for Canada Deuterium Uranium reactors.
“Ensuring affordable electricity and high-wage opportunities for Indiana’s skilled workforce are top priorities,” said Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) in the release. “By exploring this technology, we’re evaluating a path to deliver more affordable power while creating the kind of long-term, skilled jobs that strengthen Hoosier communities.”
While the CANDU reactor has many operations in Canada, AtkinsRéalis Group has started the regulatory process of engaging with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for using the technology in the United States. In June, the company submitted a letter of intent to the NRC about beginning the licensing process with the agency for its CANDU technology.
As part of the evaluation process, the parties will look at various timelines based on the selected sites, financing, regulatory approvals and stakeholder engagement. Given the early stages of the process, the parties have not selected any sites in Indiana at this time.
Additionally, the parties will consider the use of natural gas in the lead up or transition to nuclear power at the potential sites. These potential sites would be retired or retiring energy generation sites, AtkinsRéalis Group said.
Hoosier Energy, an Indiana-based utility, operates several natural gas generation facilities across Indiana and Illinois.
The gas-to-nuclear approach focuses on providing a power source with natural gas for the site initially while the nuclear reactor is under construction. Once the reactor is built, then the conversion is made.
“The technology assessment will evaluate how these benefits could be delivered across multiple sites and communities while supporting reliable service and competitive electricity costs,” AtkinsRéalis Group said.
This recent MOU announcement builds on the AtkinsRéalis’ relationship with Indiana’s growing nuclear sector. In May, the company agreed to become the engineering, procurement and construction manager for Indianapolis-based First American Nuclear Company’s small modular reactor (SMR) project. First American Nuclear Company is developing a liquid metal fast reactor cooled by lead-bismuth with the generating capacity of 240 megawatts.
For the SMR project, First American Nuclear Company has not announced a preferred site yet but plans to build its nuclear campus in Indiana.
The state of Indiana has explored nuclear power over the past few years as it is attempting to position itself to meet the growing energy needs for advanced manufacturing, data centers and artificial intelligence. Indiana has historically been a state reliant on coal, but has looked to nuclear power to provide baseload power, while also providing clean energy as opposed to coal.
