Candu celebrates 50 years of nuclear power generation in Canada and looks to the future

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Candu Energy Inc. joins Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) and the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of nuclear power generation in Canada.

On June 4th, 1962, in Rolphton, Ontario, the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) reactor began supplying electricity to the Ontario grid, producing enough electricity to power 10,000 homes.  Today, CANDU® nuclear reactors supply 15 % of Canada's safe, clean, and reliable electricity, and almost 60% in Ontario alone.

"NPD played an important role in Canada's nuclear power development," says Frank Yee, Candu's Chief Nuclear Engineer. "It was the prototype for CANDU technology - the first heavy-water power reactor in the world. The NPD design incorporated all the basic characteristics of CANDU design that are still utilized today: natural uranium fuel, separate heavy water moderator and coolant, and a multi-channel horizontal pressure tube reactor core that allows refuelling with the reactor in operation." NPD operated until 1987.

In the past 50 years, Canada has grown its CANDU nuclear fleet to include 20 reactors. Internationally, they are an important component of clean air energy programs on four continents with over 22,000 megawatts of installed capacity.

Today, Candu Energy continues the proud CANDU tradition by developing the newest generation of reactors. In May, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) completed Phase 2 of a Pre-Project Design Review of the Enhanced Candu 6 ® (EC6®) reactor. "The CNSC has determined in this Phase 2 stage of their review that overall, the design intent of the EC6 complies with their regulatory requirements and expectations," said Yee. "With this achievement, our Generation III EC6 has completed the key step for licensing consideration of a nuclear power plant in Canada."

About Candu

Candu is a leading full-service nuclear technology company providing nuclear power reactors and nuclear products and services to customers worldwide. Our 1,400 highly skilled employees design and deliver state-of-the-art CANDU® reactors, carry out life extension projects, provide plant life management programs and tools, and offer operation and maintenance services for existing nuclear power stations.

Candu is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin Inc. (TSX: SNC).

Katherine Ward
Director, Communications
Candu Energy Inc.
905-403-7349