Argentina’s Nucleoelectrica and Canada’s Candu Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand cooperation in engineering, maintenance, life-extension, and future development of CANDU nuclear reactors. This agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral collaboration in nuclear technology and global service delivery.

(Image: Nucleoeléctrica Argentina)

Under the MoU, the two companies will work together on refurbishment and major component replacement for existing CANDU reactors, provide technical support during planned or unplanned outages, and jointly explore opportunities for new CANDU-type nuclear projects in Argentina, Canada, and international markets. Candu Energy will also contribute more actively to Argentina’s domestic nuclear programme.

Demian Reidel, President of Nucleoelectrica, emphasized that the world is witnessing a nuclear renaissance and Argentina is ready to take a leading role. He stated that this partnership is not just about delivering services, but about projecting Argentina’s extensive nuclear expertise onto the global stage.

There are currently 31 operating CANDU reactors worldwide. Designed for a 30-year lifespan, these heavy-water reactors can operate for another 30 years after major refurbishment. The process is highly complex, involving the removal of fuel and heavy water, inspection of thousands of components, and complete replacement of fuel channels, steam generators, calandria tubes, and feeder pipes.

AtkinsRéalis, Candu Energy’s parent company, is also advancing the Monark project—a next-generation 1,000 MW CANDU reactor. The conceptual design was completed in 2024, and the project is now progressing through Canada’s vendor design review system.

The new MoU aligns closely with ongoing global CANDU modernization efforts. In Romania, the refurbishment of Cernavoda Unit 1—valued at around CAD 2.85 billion—is being carried out by a consortium involving Canadian, Korean, and Italian partners. The project has received a formal Notice to Proceed and will include major modernization of turbines, generators, and auxiliary systems.

As countries revisit nuclear energy as a reliable low-carbon solution, demand for refurbishment, engineering services, and new builds is growing. The cooperation between Nucleoelectrica and Candu Energy is strategically positioned to capitalize on this momentum. It strengthens Argentina’s presence in the global nuclear services market while expanding Candu Energy’s international footprint.

This agreement is not only an extension of long-standing bilateral collaboration but also a timely initiative that will play an important role in shaping the future of CANDU technology worldwide.