ARC Canada Partners With Canadian Nuclear Labs To Advance Fuel Development Program

    SAINT JOHN, NB, July 27, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- ARC Clean Energy Canada (ARC Canada) is pleased to announce a partnership with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada's premier nuclear science and technology organization. Funded through CNL's Canadian Nuclear Research Initiative (CNRI), the joint agreement will deliver a technology demonstration of the fuel fabrication process for ARC Canada's advanced small modular reactor (aSMR) scheduled for deployment at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (PLNGS) in New Brunswick, Canada, within the decade.

"This is a significant first step towards establishing capability in Canada to manufacture fuel assemblies for the ARC technology," said Dr. Maggie Manley, Fuel Systems Engineer, leading the project for ARC Canada. "Our collaboration with CNL, with access to their world-class facilities and qualified technical experts, is critical to validate our fuel qualification program and deployment approach. ARC Canada is proud to have been selected to partner with our national laboratories as we work towards a clean energy future."

CNL will support ARC Canada with deep expertise in nuclear fuel fabrication and access to state- of-the-art research facilities at Chalk River to develop a fuel pin prototype fabrication line for ARC technology. The prototype work will also deliver a qualified set of procedures for the development of a "made in Canada" production line to support a Canadian fleet approach.

"Fuel development is a particular strength of the team here at the Chalk River Laboratories," commented Dr. Jeff Griffin, Vice-President of Science and Technology. "We have supported the fuel development for Canadian heavy water reactor technology since their inception back in the 1950's; continue to support fuel needs across Canada and the globe; and, in recent years have been investing and growing our capabilities in small modular and advanced reactor technologies and fuels. This exciting new CNRI project will benefit from this experience, enrich our current skill set, and help ARC Canada move their product closer towards commercialization."

Launched in 2019, the CNRI program was established by CNL to accelerate the deployment of SMRs in Canada by enabling research and development, and connecting the SMR industry with the facilities and expertise within Canada's national nuclear laboratories. Among the many benefits of the program, participants optimize resources, share technical knowledge, and gain access to CNL's expertise to help advance the commercialization of SMR technologies.

The joint project will begin in July 2022 and is expected to be completed within two years.

About ARC Clean Energy Canada Inc.

ARC Clean Energy Canada Inc. (ARC Canada) is a clean energy technology company developing an advanced small modular reactor (aSMR) offering inherently safe, reliable, and economical carbon free power that deals with waste for both on-grid and industrial applications. ARC Canada has established its Head Office in Saint John, New Brunswick with a goal of promoting business and economic development within Canada. ARC Canada envisions the creation of a sustainable supply chain delivering economic growth, well-paying supply chain jobs and the opportunity for New Brunswick and Canada to take a lead in the advanced Small Modular Reactor technology field.

More information is available online at www.arcenergy.co

MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Sandra Donnelly
Director, Corporate Services [email protected]

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