ARC Clean Technology Advances ARC-100 Reactor with Successful Canadian Nuclear Safety Review

ARC Clean Technology has achieved a significant regulatory milestone with the completion of Phase 2 of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Vendor Design Review (VDR) for its ARC-100 advanced small modular reactor. The CNSC's comprehensive assessment identified no fundamental barriers to licensing, creating a clear pathway for the commercial deployment of the 100MWe sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor designed for electricity generation and industrial heat applications. This regulatory success represents a crucial step forward in advancing next-generation nuclear technology in Canada and globally.

The Phase 2 VDR process, initiated in 2022, required ARC to submit hundreds of technical documents across 19 distinct focus areas. These submissions encompassed detailed analyses of safety systems, reactor and process system design, regulatory compliance frameworks, and quality assurance protocols. Robert Braun, Chief Operating Officer for ARC, emphasized the significance of this achievement, noting that it demonstrates the company's dedication to meeting Canada's rigorous nuclear regulatory standards while simultaneously enhancing the international credibility of their advanced reactor technology.

This regulatory milestone directly supports ongoing licensing activities for a demonstration unit of the ARC-100 in New Brunswick, where New Brunswick Power (NB Power) has submitted a license to prepare site application at their Point Lepreau nuclear facility. The successful completion of the CNSC review provides crucial regulatory validation that strengthens the case for deploying the ARC-100 technology at existing nuclear sites. Lori Clark, President and CEO of NB Power, acknowledged the importance of this achievement, highlighting its role in advancing project development and exploring innovative energy solutions for the province and beyond.

With the CNSC review successfully concluded, ARC Clean Technology is now positioned to advance to subsequent licensing and deployment phases, contributing to Canada's leadership position in clean energy and advanced nuclear technology development. The ARC-100 reactor design represents a promising addition to Canada's energy portfolio, offering potential solutions for both electricity generation and industrial heat applications while supporting national climate goals and energy security objectives. The technology's progression through regulatory review processes demonstrates the viability of advanced small modular reactors as part of Canada's diversified energy future.