Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' Chalk River site
The question for the nuclear labs in Chalk River is now “who looks after it past 2025?”
Atomic Energy Canada Limited, a Crown corporation which owns the labs, is set to start a procurement process for the management and operation of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and it’s satellites.
The Canadian National Energy Alliance has held the contract since 2015, but AECL President Fred Dermarkar says they expect strong interest in CNL from the rest of the industry which will create “robust competition” for the renewed contract starting in 2025.
Dermarkar adds that they’re looking for a contractor with “extensive experience in advanced nuclear science and technology, research and innovation, the management of nuclear laboratories,
decommissioning and radioactive waste management, the delivery of large capital projects, and who can engage with stakeholders and Indigenous communities in the spirit of healing, reconciliation and collaboration.”
As part of the process, a briefing session will be held on March 23rd that give potential bidders the scope of the contract and take a tour of the Chalk River site.
Dermarkar notes that the contract process will not change the ongoing work and priorities at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories or CNL itself, and that part of the process will involve engaging with local communities and Indigenous communities for input on their plans that will inform contractual requirements.
(written by Kasey Egan)