Dec 8, 2025
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) today announced that it will complete the contracting process for the management and operation of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), as part of the Government-owned, Contractor-operated model.
As announced in June 2025, following a competitive procurement process, Nuclear Laboratory Partners of Canada Inc. (NLPC) was selected as the Preferred Bidder for the contract to manage CNL. NLPC is a partnership with three primary joint venture partners, BWXT Government Group, Inc., Amentum Environment & Energy, Inc., and Kinectrics Inc., with Battelle Memorial Institute included as key subcontractor.
After completion of all required regulatory reviews, NLPC will officially take on responsibility for the ownership and management of CNL on December 11th.
The transition to the new contractor was originally scheduled for mid-September, however the review by the Competition Bureau, an independent regulator that reviews all major mergers and acquisitions in Canada, extended past that planned date, necessitating a delay. The Competition Bureau issued a No-Action Letter, which confirms that the Bureau does not intend to challenge the proposed transaction at this time. With this step concluded, AECL is now moving forward with contract closing.
AECL is very excited to have the new leadership team in place, and it looks forward to advancing its priorities alongside the new leadership team that NLPC is bringing to CNL. This change in management will not affect ongoing work, projects and priorities of CNL, as CNL’s missions and mandate are not changing, and it continues to be responsible for operating AECL’s sites and assets.
AECL’s Government-owned, Contractor-operated model is such that the vast majority of spending is being done in Canada through the funding provided to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to manage and operate AECL’s sites in Canada – 95% of the spending is done in Canada. Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ operations include more than 4,000 employees in Canada at AECL’s Chalk River Laboratories (Ontario), Port Hope Area Initiative (Ontario) and Whiteshell Laboratories (Manitoba), along with other satellite sites.
About Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is a federal Crown corporation with a mandate to drive nuclear opportunities for Canada. Working through a Government-owned, Contractor-operated (GoCo) model that is executed by its contractor, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, AECL enables nuclear science and technology through its Chalk River Laboratories, Canada’s largest research complex, and by engaging with academia and private industry to advance nuclear innovation. It is committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It also manages the Government of Canada’s radioactive waste responsibilities. AECL continues to own the intellectual property for the CANDU® reactor technology and is accountable for deriving optimal benefit from this technology for Canada. Read more on AECL at www.aecl.ca.
Nov 28, 2025
The Centre for Fusion Energy is a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Ontario Power Generation, and Stellarex to bolster Canada’s growing fusion ecosystem and advance clean energy.
November 28, 2025 PICKERING, Ontario – Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, a federal Crown corporation, is continuing to develop a thriving fusion sector in Canada by establishing a Centre for Fusion Energy with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Ontario Power Generation and Stellarex. This collaboration will create a national platform for a robust and integrated Canadian fusion ecosystem, develop advanced domestic fusion energy capabilities, and advance fusion energy research and development in Canada. Advancing Canadian leadership in fusion energy is part of the federal government’s commitment to establishing Canada as an energy superpower and the strongest economy in the G7.
“Through a new Centre for Fusion Excellence, Canada and Ontario are taking another step forward to strengthen our nuclear energy sector,” said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “Our new government is proud to work with the province to support Canadian investments that will broaden our clean energy research and grow our fusion energy sector.”
It is expected that other partners and contributors will join the Centre for Fusion Energy and expand the reach to additional private-sector and research organizations.
“Ontario’s world-renowned researchers are driving the energy sector into a new era of clean energy,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is leveraging our province’s position as a nuclear powerhouse to fuel fusion energy discoveries that will advance our industries, build our energy workforce and protect Ontario.”
“Ontario is an advanced nuclear operator that embraces the first mover advantage, starting with leveraging Canadian CANDU technology over 50 years ago to building the G7’s first Small Modular Reactor today,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “As fusion energy represents the next frontier in clean 24/7 power, Ontario is again leading the way with Ontario Power Generation delivering the Centre for Fusion Energy. Ontario is doubling down on our nuclear advantage by investing in the development of fusion nuclear power — an almost inexhaustible source of emission-free energy for future generations.”
The federal government contribution comes from Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Work Plan, with an investment of $33 million of in-kind fusion-related research projects delivered by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. This program connects the expansive tritium, fusion and materials research capabilities of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories with the Centre for Fusion Energy.
The province of Ontario, through Ontario Power Generation, is also investing $19.5 million, and fusion company Stellarex is contributing up to $39 million in fusion energy development and deployment activities. Ontario, through OPG, is home to almost all of the world’s commercial tritium—a by-product of OPG’s CANDU reactors—which serves as the key fusion fuel for nearly all fusion reactor designs.
“Fusion is a critical, long-term, global scientific challenge, and Canada has developed a number of unique capabilities that will allow us to play an important role in its future,” said Fred Dermarkar, President and CEO of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. “Working together, across levels of government, and between public, private, and academic institutions is essential for realizing our collective potential”.
“This agreement marks an exciting moment for fusion energy here in Canada. It speaks to the spirit of exploration, innovation, and collaboration. This new Centre better connects CNL’s deep experience and globally unique capabilities in tritium and materials research with the industrial partners seeking to move this promising clean energy technology towards deployment,” noted Dr. Stephen Bushby, Vice-President, Science & Technology, CNL.
“OPG has a long history of leadership in Canada’s nuclear industry, and we recognize the role fusion may play in meeting Ontario’s – and the world’s – future clean energy needs,” said Kim Lauritsen, OPG Senior Vice President, Enterprise Strategy and Growth. “As this technology moves toward commercial implementation, OPG — through the CFE — will work to develop a domestic fusion ecosystem that positions Ontario and Canada as leaders in this rapidly-developing technology.”
“Canada’s nuclear expertise and its unique global competitive advantages make it an ideal place to accelerate fusion energy development,” said Spencer Pitcher, Stellarex’s Chief Executive Officer-Designate. “With our provincial and federal government partners, Stellarex will strengthen Canada’s fusion energy know‑how, build fusion energy prototypes, and prepare the fusion-ready workforce needed to deliver fusion power to the grid.”
QUICK FACTS
The Centre for Fusion Energy is a public-private partnership that will bring together leaders in the clean energy space, further scientific cooperation, and make Canada a preferred destination for fusion investment.
The federal government, through Atomic Energy of Canada and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, is contributing $33M in research activities over three years.
The Centre for Fusion Energy is one of several investments in fusion energy that Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the federal government are making. This includes support for General Fusion, and investing in Fusion Fuel Cycles, a joint venture between Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Kyoto Fusioneering, which is pursuing the UNITY-2 test facility for the demonstration of the fusion fuel cycle, to be located at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s Chalk River Laboratories.
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories have been pulling together an ecosystem in Canada and have published an initial national strategy roadmap in co-operation with industry.
About Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is a federal Crown corporation with a mandate to drive nuclear opportunities for Canada. Working through a Government-owned, Contractor-operated model that is executed by its contractor, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, AECL enables nuclear science and technology through its Chalk River Laboratories, Canada’s largest research complex, and by engaging with academia and private industry to advance nuclear innovation. It is committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It also manages the Government of Canada’s radioactive waste responsibilities. AECL continues to own the intellectual property for the CANDU® reactor technology and is accountable for deriving optimal benefit from this technology for Canada. Read more on AECL at www.aecl.ca.
About Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians. By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.
About Ontario Power Generation
As Ontario’s largest and one of North America’s most diverse electricity generators, OPG invests in local economies and employs thousands of people across Ontario. OPG and its family of companies are advancing the development of new low-carbon technologies, refurbishment projects and electrification initiatives to power the growing demands of a clean economy. Learn more about how the company is delivering these initiatives while prioritizing people, partnerships and strong communities at OPG.com.
About Stellarex
Stellarex Group Ltd is a Canadian fusion energy technology company. The scientific founders have over 120 years of cumulative experience in fusion science and engineering and have held leadership positions in the world’s foremost fusion laboratories in the USA, UK, Germany, and France. The Stellarex Group’s mission is to accelerate fusion energy innovation, development, and deployment, and to enable the advancement of fusion technologies and competencies required to prepare Canada for competitive value-added participation in the global fusion energy industry.
AECL Contact:
Jeremy Latta
Director of Communications and Government Reporting
Email: [email protected]
CNL Contact:
Philip Kompass
Director, Corporate Communications
1-866-886-2325
[email protected]
Oct 27, 2025
On November 27, 2025, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) will hold its annual public meeting. AECL will be providing updates related to the organization’s achievements of the past year and its plans.
Date and Time: November 27, 2025, 1:00pm – 3:00pm Eastern Time
Location: Chalk River Laboratories, 286 Plant Road, Chalk River, Ontario
Jim Burpee, Chair of the AECL Board of Directors, Fred Dermarkar, President and CEO, and AECL staff will present at this meeting and will be available to answer questions from the public. Please note that this event can be attended virtually and in person. The content and material will be presented in both official languages, with simultaneous translation available when joining virtually.
Attending Virtually
Members of the public who will join the meeting via the webcast are invited to provide questions in advance of the meeting via email at [email protected]. This mailbox will also be monitored for any questions received during the meeting. Best efforts will be made to answer questions received via email during the meeting within the allocated time; unanswered questions will be responded to in writing directly to requestors following the meeting.
Click here to join the meeting
Should you experience technical difficulties due to poor internet signal or being on a mobile device, you can also opt for the stream-only experience with no ability to interact with the presenters. You can however submit your questions to [email protected] before or during the meeting.
Click here to join the stream-only feed
Attending in Person
To attend the event in person, individuals must register before November 20, 2025, to allow for security verifications. To avoid delays during the public meeting, participants who are attending in person must arrive 30 minutes in advance for processing. Please note that visitors will be escorted while on site. Coffee and tea will be provided.
For any questions, please contact: [email protected], 1-888-220-2465.
Click here to register for the event: https://comms.aecl-eacl.ca/2025-public-meeting
Accessibility Considerations
The event is held in a building with elevators and accessible bathrooms. The meeting area also includes wheelchair access. An accessible shuttle is available under request for transportation between the main gates to the meeting area. If you require any accommodations to attend this meeting either virtually or in-person, please email [email protected] or call 1-888-220-2465.
