Nuclear reactor manufacturer AtkinsRealis is set to make a deal with the United States for the transfer of nuclear reactors.
In a move that could shake up the U.S. nuclear energy sector, Montreal-based engineering firm AtkinsRéalis has initiated negotiations with U.S. officials to expand its presence in the market [2][3]. The company, through its Candu Energy subsidiary, aims to deploy Candu nuclear reactors in the United States.
However, as of the latest information available in July 2025, AtkinsRéalis has not yet secured any construction permits to build CANDU reactors in the United States. The U.S. government, at present, considers Westinghouse to be the only active company capable of building large reactors in the U.S. [4].
The Trump administration's aim to quadruple nuclear energy production in the U.S. by 2050 remains unchanged, and the government wants to start construction on 10 large reactors by 2030 and accelerate approval processes [1]. This ambitious goal could create opportunities for new players in the market, according to RBC Capital Markets analyst Sabahat Khan, who believes there's room for competition [5].
Kepco and the French-Italian company Newcleo are also reportedly considering entering the U.S. nuclear market, adding to the potential for a more diverse and competitive landscape [6].
AtkinsRéalis' global nuclear sector president, St. Julian, has expressed doubt about Westinghouse's ability to build 10 large reactors by 2030 [7]. This uncertainty, coupled with the need for regulatory approvals, presents challenges for AtkinsRéalis as it seeks to establish a foothold in the U.S. market.
In the meantime, AtkinsRéalis continues to invest heavily in Canada’s nuclear industry, with over $2 billion in supplier orders for CANDU technology, mainly supporting Canadian jobs and economy [1].
As the U.S. nuclear energy sector evolves, it will be interesting to see if AtkinsRéalis can navigate the regulatory hurdles and secure the necessary permits to bring its CANDU reactors to the United States.
[1] AtkinsRéalis invests heavily in Canada’s nuclear industry
[2] AtkinsRéalis to deploy Candu nuclear reactors in the United States
[3] AtkinsRéalis begins talks with U.S. officials to expand in U.S. nuclear energy sector
[4] Nuclear Energy Agency's SMR report
[5] RBC Capital Markets analyst sees room for competition in U.S. nuclear market
[6] Kepco and Newcleo reportedly considering entering U.S. nuclear market
[7] AtkinsRéalis global nuclear sector president expresses doubt about Westinghouse's ability to build 10 large reactors by 2030
The French-Italian company Newcleo, along with Kepco, are also deliberating about entering the competitive U.S. nuclear energy market, similar to Montreal-based engineering firm AtkinsRéalis, which aims to finance the deployment of Candu nuclear reactors in the industry.
