OTTAWA SELECTS ENGINEERING GROUP AS BIDDER FOR NUCLEAR LABORATORIES

Ottawa has selected a group of nuclear engineering firms as the preferred bidder to operate its nuclear laboratory in eastern Ontario that is one of the world’s largest producers of medical isotopes. Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford says the Canadian National Energy Alliance was chosen to manage and operate Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), a subsidiary of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., after a competitive bidding process. “Our government is demonstrating support for jobs and growth in nuclear energy by investing in science and technology, advancing trade opportunities and maintaining a world-class safety regime,” Rickford said in a statement. “Today’s announcement marks the conclusion of a six year process enhancing the efficiency and prosperity of the Canadian nuclear industry.” The consortium includes SNC-Lavalin, CH2M HILL Canada Ltd., Fluor Government Group Canada Inc., Energy-Solutions Canada Group Ltd. and Rolls-Royce Civil Nuclear Canada Ltd. CNL employs about 3,300 people, mostly at the Chalk River Laboratories, whose nuclear reactor is slated to be decommissioned in 2018.