BEIJING, China, June 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Deepening Canada's clean technology relationship with China is a priority for the Government of Canada, and Canada's nuclear industry can play a key role in helping China meet its climate change objectives while creating new business opportunities and jobs for middle-class Canadians.
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, today welcomed the signing of an agreement between Canada's SNC-Lavalin and China National Nuclear Corporation to implement advanced fuel technology in the two CANDU reactors currently operating in China. The technology will enhance the operating life of the reactors, improve reactor safety margins and allow for the introduction of recycled uranium fuel into the reactor starting in 2018.
The Government of Canada recognizes the enormous potential of the Chinese market and is making concerted efforts to show that Canada is open for business and ready to take its trade relationship with China to the next level. Minister Carr is leading a delegation of more than 50 representatives from Canadian energy, forestry and clean technology companies, Indigenous organizations and provincial governments on a seven-day mission to China to generate new trade and investment opportunities and showcase the diversity of Canadian talent, innovation and expertise.
The nuclear supply agreement announced today is another step forward in a relationship between SNC-Lavalin and Chinese partners that will continue to grow as China pursues plans to build 100 or more new reactors in the coming decades.
Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world. With offices in over 50 countries and about 35,000 employees, SNC-Lavalin teams provide engineering, construction and management services to clients in oil and gas, mining and metallurgy, infrastructure and power.
Quotes
"Canada is known around the world as a stable, reliable and cost-effective supplier of energy resources, technology and services, and our government will continue to promote our expertise in clean and safe nuclear power. Canada's commitment to expanding its energy partnership with China includes a focus on nuclear energy, an area in which we have enjoyed long-standing and fruitful relations."
Jim Carr
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources
"SNC-Lavalin is pleased to take the next step forward toward alternate fuels for existing CANDU reactors. Our technology advancements, coupled with our partnerships with the Chinese nuclear industry will ensure safe and efficient low-carbon energy for China for decades to come."
Preston Swafford
Chief Nuclear Officer and Executive Vice-President, Nuclear
SNC-Lavalin
Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan)
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca
SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
Alexandre Deslongchamps, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, 343-292-6837; Media Relations, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, 343-292-6100
Share this article