AtkinsRéalis signs global nuclear collaboration agreement

Key Takeaways:

• AtkinsRéalis and Électricité de France (EDF) have signed a significant collaboration agreement aimed at supporting the global expansion of nuclear energy by combining their engineering capabilities, sharing best practices, and jointly providing non-reactor equipment and commissioning services.
• The partnership will help scale up the development of both large and small nuclear reactors to meet growing international demand for low-carbon, reliable energy, while each company retains the ability to compete independently in reactor technology selection processes.
• The agreement deepens the long-standing relationship between the two companies—already collaborating on nuclear projects in the UK and France—and positions them to jointly enhance nuclear capabilities and energy security in Canada, Europe, and globally.

The Whole Story:

AtkinsRéalis Group announced it has concluded a pivotal collaboration agreement with Électricité de France (EDF), one of the world’s leading electricity production and distribution companies.

“This collaboration agreement with a world-class organization like EDF is a gamechanger for the nuclear industry and makes good strategic sense,” said Ian L. Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer, AtkinsRéalis. “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 1000 large and small reactors.”

The collaboration agreement, which will expand the strategic partnership between the two nuclear power nations and better integrate their respective industries, will cover both pre-technology and post-technology vendor selection processes and 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 organization

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.

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

“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,” said Vakis Ramany, SVP, International Nuclear Development, EDF.

Canada is actively advancing the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of its clean energy transition and net-zero goals. The federal government, alongside provinces like Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Alberta, has endorsed a national SMR Action Plan to support the safe, commercially viable rollout of SMRs.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is leading the way with the construction of a GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR at the Darlington site—the first grid-scale SMR project in North America, set to be completed by the end of the decade. Parallel efforts include feasibility studies, regulatory groundwork by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), and investment in Indigenous engagement, workforce development, and supply chain readiness to ensure SMRs play a significant role in decarbonizing Canada’s energy, mining, and remote sectors.