AtkinsRealis Targets Completing CANDU Reactor Feasibility Study in Sinop by May 2027

The Canadian engineering and nuclear energy company AtkinsRealis signed an agreement with the Turkish Nuclear Energy Company (TÜNAŞ), under which it commits to completing the feasibility study for CANDU reactors at the Sinop site by May 2027, while completion of the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study is targeted for the end of 2027 or early 2028. The new agreement came within the framework of the COP31 conference held in Antalya, Turkey, deepening the memorandum of understanding signed last March between the two sides.

Gary Rose, Executive Vice President of Nuclear Canada at AtkinsRealis and President of CANDU International, revealed that the first phase of the study will focus specifically on the Sinop site, through site-specific analyses to assess the extent to which the CANDU reactor is suited to it. Rose explained that their intention is to prepare a feasibility study by May 2027 and to begin "front-end design work for a specific site," noting that the ultimate goal is to support TÜNAŞ and the Turkish government in their decision on building CANDU reactors in Turkey.

Rose indicated that competition is still ongoing, as "there are other candidates in this race," stressing that the final decision rests with Turkey. He explained that the targeted timing allows a final decision on the technology selection to be taken in the first quarter of 2028, a timing contingent on what Turkey decides.

On the financing front, Rose stated that the Canadian government has a "firm commitment" to finance at least part of the plant's construction, noting that discussions are under way with other countries capable of providing specific manufacturing equipment, as well as with local construction companies with which the possibility of contributing equity or obtaining financing from export credit agencies is being explored. He pointed to the presence of strategic suppliers in Korea, France and other countries within the CANDU ecosystem. Part of the feasibility study will include a comprehensive strategy for financing the entire project.

Rose cited the Romanian experience as a model, where his company is currently building Units 3 and 4 at the Cernavoda plant with the participation of American and Italian partners, expecting a similar pattern to be adopted in Turkey.