Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited was formed as a Crown corporation. Prior to this, the Chalk River Laboratories had been operated by the National Research Council of Canada.
The National Research Experimental Reactor (NRX) goes critical
Located at the Chalk River Laboratories in Ontario, the NRX was the world’s most powerful research reactor and was once the globe’s greatest source of neutrons. It attracted scientists from around the world who conducted research in this new and innovative science field.
The Zero Energy Experimental Pile (ZEEP) reactor goes critical
Located at the Chalk River Laboratories in Ontario, the ZEEP was originally built as part of an effort to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons during the Cold War. It was the first reactor to achieve criticality outside of the United States and contributed to the development of nuclear science and technology in Canada for over 25 years. Note: Canada was the first country with substantial nuclear capability to reject nuclear weapons and to be actively involved in the international promotion of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Today, Canada is one of the many countries which are working for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament internationally. As such, all work done at the Chalk River Laboratories is for peaceful purposes only.
Media Relations
Jeremy Latta
Director, Communications and Government Reporting
jlatta@aecl.ca
1-343-303-5345