Service agreement between AECL and CNSC signed MISSISSAUGA, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) have signed a service agreement to review the Enhanced CANDU 6(TM) (EC6(TM)) nuclear reactor. Under the service agreement, the CNSC will conduct a high-level review of the EC6 design based on the Regulator's expectations set out in Regulatory Document RD-337 for new nuclear power plants in Canada.
– By Stephen Heiser –
"We are very pleased that the CNSC has agreed to review our EC6 design," says AECL President and CEO Hugh MacDiarmid. "The EC6 can serve the energy needs of a distinct market where customers are looking for an efficient nuclear solution that offers natural uranium fuel efficiency, proven reliability and a size to match grid requirements."
The EC6 is a Generation III 740 MWe pressure tube reactor, designed to meet current robust international industry standards and public expectations for safe, reliable, environmentally friendly, nuclear power generation. The EC6 design is enhanced by the experience and feedback AECL has gained in the design, construction and operation of the 11 CANDU 6 plants operating in five countries worldwide.
"We welcome the start of this review as activity to build new nuclear reactor plants continues to surge around the world, " says MacDiarmid, "and the world is interested in the full suite of CANDU(R) designs – the Advanced CANDU Reactor(R) (ACR-1000(R)), the CANDU 6, and the EC6 -all of which will strengthen Canada's tremendous opportunity to benefit from international and domestic nuclear reactor sales."
The EC6 reactor has a projected annual performance factor of over 90%. This is based on the proven reliability of the global CANDU 6 fleet that has an average lifetime performance factor of 89%, ranking it as one of the world's top performing nuclear power reactors.
The CNSC is expected to complete the high-level compliance review by February 2010.
The Enhanced CANDU 6 (EC6) is a heavy water-cooled, heavy water-moderated, natural-uranium fuelled pressure tube reactor retaining the proven features of the CANDU 6 design while incorporating design and safety improvements to ensure that the safety, operation and performance of the Enhanced CANDU 6 meet modern international standards.
EC6 Enhancements:
– Increased safety and operating margins
– Enhanced accident resistance and core damage prevention
– Added containment protective features designed to withstand external
events such as an airplane crash
– Improved fire protection
– Greater resistance to earthquakes
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited is a full service nuclear technology company providing services to nuclear utilities around the world. Established in 1952, AECL is the designer and builder of CANDU technology including the ACR-1000 and the CANDU 6, one of the world's top-performing reactors. AECL is actively developing CANDU markets domestically, as well as in Romania, Argentina, and as well as other international markets. AECL's 5,000 employees deliver cutting edge nuclear services, R&D support, design, and engineering, construction management, specialized technology, refurbishment, waste management and decommissioning in support of CANDU reactor products.