SNC-Lavalin consortium named preferred bidder for Canadian Nuclear Laboratories contract

MONTRÉAL—The Canadian Nuclear Energy Alliance consortium, made up of SNC-Lavalin, CH2M, Fluor, EnergySolutions, and Rolls-Royce in a supporting role, has been named the preferred bidder for the management of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, which is a subsidiary of Atomic Energy of Canada.

The Government of Canada and CNEA will finalize the contract over the next few months. This announcement marks the final steps in the successful restructuring of AECL, which began when SNC-Lavalin purchased the assets of the commercial reactor division of AECL in 2011, and with it, the exclusive rights to CANDU nuclear technology in 2011. CNL said the selection of CNEA “marks a significant milestone in the process to procure the services of a private sector contractor to manage and operate the Nuclear Laboratories and deliver on its three core missions,” which include federal waste and decommissioning responsibilities, nuclear science and technology expertise in support of federal government needs and science and technology and related services to third-parties on commercial terms.

“CNL is a world leader in nuclear science and technology and its success is important to our nuclear business,” Bob Card, president and CEO of SNC said. “The experience that our team brings will ensure that Canada’s world-class nuclear science and technology capabilities are recognized globally.”

SNC says CNEA brings international site management, operations, decommissioning and waste management experience to support the Government of Canada’s three key missions. The company added that it brings its experience as a nuclear reactor vendor and service provider in Canada and its strength as the number-one engineering, procurement and construction firm in Canada.

SNC-Lavalin is also currently pursuing CANDU new build opportunities in Argentina, China, Romania and the United Kingdom.

“In addition to our new build business, SNC-Lavalin provides leading nuclear technology products and full-service solutions to nuclear utilities around the globe,” said Preston Swafford, chief nuclear officer and executive vice-president of nuclear at SNC. “Our nuclear team of 1,200 engineering, procurement, construction and project management experts offer customized operations, maintenance and plant life management services, including waste management and decommissioning for light water and CANDU-type reactors.”