Power & Industrial

China Pursues Nuclear Power

CHINA has awarded Canadian firm SNC-Lavalin a contract for work on two 700-MW reactors similar to these at the Darlington plant in Ontario.

*IMAGE COURTESY SNC-LAVALIN*

China National Nuclear Power Co. on Dec. 2 said it has awarded SNC-Lavalin a contract for pre-project work on a proposed two-unit 700-MW Advance Heavy Water Reactor project. The Chinese company wants to build the two reactors in the 2021 time frame. SNC-Lavalin will outline the licensing process and the regulatory and safety requirements applicable to the design, analysis, construction, commissioning and operation of the AHWR. The AHWR is the third-generation reactor designed by Atomic Energy of Canada that combines the technology of the Canada deuterium uranium pressurized heavy-water reactor, which allows it to burn a variety of fuels, with the features of a light-water-cooled pressurized water reactor, which reduces the cost. Shanghai Nuclear Engineering Research & Design Institute Co. is the technical manager for the contract to review and accept SNC-Lavalin’s work.

Read More: ENR 2019 Global Sourcebook PDF (subscription required)

Looking for quick answers on construction and engineering topics?
Try Ask ENR, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ENR →

Mary B. Powers has reported on engineering and construction issues in the global energy and environmental sectors for more than 30 years from Washington, D.C. and Birmingham, Ala. She formerly wrote for the Platt's group of energy sector publications under McGraw Hill and S&P Global that included Inside Energy and Megawatt Daily, and was state editor for the Lexington, Ky., Herald Leader. Mary has a master’s degree in journalism from The American University.

Post a comment to this article

Live: June 23, 2026 at 2:00 pm EDT New market dynamics like competitive pressures and workforce evolutions are forcing construction companies to re-prioritize their investments. To strengthen cash flow, accelerate operations, and boost profits, learn how the focus now must be on optimizing digital transformation and financial management.