Overview
AECOM is the world’s premier infrastructure firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from planning, design and engineering to consulting, maintenance and construction management. We partner with our clients in the public and private sectors to solve their most complex challenges and build legacies for generations to come.
On projects spanning energy, transportation, buildings, water, governments and the environment, our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with engineering infrastructure projects around the globe with over 56,000 employees internationally and over 5,000 in Canada; working in all provinces in engineering, architecture, environment and planning.
Our mission is: “Moving the Nuclear Industry Forward…” by focusing on the following:
- I. Nuclear Design Engineering
- II. Nuclear Waste Management / Decommissioning
- III. Small Modular Reactors
- IV. Community Engagement and Consent
AECOM Canada Nuclear Services (ACNS) was established as AECOM’s nuclear service provider in Canada to provide innovative, value-added and cost-effective solutions facilitated by relationships built on trust. Distributed across many local offices in Ontario, our nuclear business integrates with our robust world-wide network to support Canada’s existing fleet of CANDU Nuclear Power Stations (i.e. OPG Darlington, OPG Pickering, Bruce Power at Tiverton and NB Power’s Point Lepreau), support decommissioning/waste disposal projects, contribute to Canada’s nuclear research by partnering with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) as well as supporting the development of Small Modular Reactors in Canada.
AECOM staff brings over 300 years of combined nuclear experience in Canada. Our multi-discipline teams work collaboratively, bringing innovative research and solutions for up-and-coming technology for nuclear engineering, small modular reactors and nuclear waste management & decommissioning.
AECOM is an industry leader in providing education and awareness through community outreach services addressing social, cultural and economic interests, and partnering with communities to build support for important infrastructure projects. AECOM has broad expertise and expertise of value to the nuclear industry including environmental impact assessments, permitting and approvals, community and Indigenous engagement and social consent building In our recent work we have pioneered innovative engagement tools using AR (Augmented Reality) with low-bandwidth options for performing virtual open houses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
AECOM provides engineering services in the areas of Mechanical, Electrical I&C, Civil and procurement. This includes conceptual & detailed design, nuclear system design engineering, commissioning support, CAD and 3D modelling, nuclear decommissioning, project management, field engineering, engineering analysis, nuclear equipment procurement and construction support/planning.
With regards to quality, our quality assurance (QA) program meets the requirements of CSA N285.0, CSA N299.1, CSA N286-12, CSA N286.7, and ISO 9001:2015.
AECOM agrees with and affirms the “Statement of Principles” as well as the vision of the SMR Road Map. We believe that Canada’s net-zero emissions targets by 2050 is only achievable with the implementation of SMR technology and we will do our part to work with government and other partners to construct at least one demonstration SMR in Canada by 2026 and the first-commercial SMR deployed by 2030, as per the SMR Action Plan. Additionally, SMRs offer the potential to equalize energy costs across the country and provide clean sources of energy in our remote communities thereby supporting reconciliation with our indigenous partners
In addition to the social and environmental benefits of SMRs, AECOM has the vision of developing a Team-Canada approach to build a nation-wide supply chain to supply SMRs to the rest of the world. This economic stimulus could lift mining in Northern Canada and Saskatchewan, industrial beds in Ontario, Alberta and elsewhere and ports in Atlantic Canada and Western Canada to get Canadian SMRs to the world.
Canada is in a special position to leverage our past nuclear experience and exceptional safety record to deploy SMR technology around the world. AECOM is excited to contribute to the upcoming opportunities in the nuclear industry in Canada and is ready to support the first demonstration reactor sites in Canada at Darlington and Chalk River’s Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
We’re planners, designers, engineers, consultants and service providers driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world. We partner with our clients to build legacies for generations to come.
Imagine it. Delivered.
ACTIONS
DEMONSTRATION AND DEPLOYMENT
Waste Management Solutions (i.e. ILW, LLW and VLLW)
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ACM01
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 3, 30, 45
ACTIONS
AECOM is currently engaged with partners in Canada to develop waste management solutions for decommissioning of Canada’s existing CANDU fleet.
This action would include passing lessons learned from the development of solutions for waste-management and processing of ILW, LLW and VLLW (i.e. potential new waste stream depending on regulatory acceptance) for current reactors to SMRs.
EXPECTED RESULTS
By developing this work, AECOM expects the following results
- Greater understanding of the full life cycle cost of implementing SMRs from commissioning to disposal
- Help with potential investment from domestic and international partners
Develop social strategies to work with our communities on education of SMRs from commissioning to disposal
DEMONSTRATION AND DEPLOYMENT
Waste Management Solutions (i.e. Long-term irradiated waste)
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ACM02
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 3, 30, 45
ACTIONS
AECOM is heavily engaged with the development and planning of an eventual deep geological repository (DGR). The successful development of such a waste management facility is critical for the SMR industry in Canada to succeed.
This action would be to continue to provide professional services to partners in the DGR space. This work will include waste stream development and planning as it pertains to the DGR.
An important arm of this initiative will be to also develop social engagement platforms to enhance community and indigenous understanding of waste from SMRs and the particulars of downstream waste.
EXPECTED RESULTS
By supporting DGR development and long-term irradiated waste, AECOM expects the following from this initiative:
- Successful implementation of a DGR in Canada
- Public and indigenous buy-in to build a DGR in Canada
- Economic growth from the large scale infrastructure project of building a DGR
- Local and national jobs to design, build and manage the DGR
- Safe long term storage of long-term irradiated waste generated by SMRs
Greater understanding of the full life cycle cost of implementing SMRs from commissioning to disposal.
DEMONSTRATION AND DEPLOYMENT
Services to SMR Vendors (Engineering Support Services)
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ACM03
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 1, 2, 16, 17, 26, 28, 38, 40
ACTIONS
AECOM is currently partnered with a SMR technology provider, with our intent to continue to grow our support portfolio to any technology provider, regardless of reactor design/size.
Our intent/action is to provide SMR technology providers with AECOM’s quality engineering services and continue to seek out new partners
EXPECTED RESULTS
By providing engineering support services to SMR technology providers, AECOM expects the following results:
- According to the SMR Action Plan, construction of at least one demonstration SMR and in operation by 2026 in Canada
- After successful demonstration at least one commercial SMR deployed by 2030
Through effective public/indigenous engagement during the SMR demonstration phase, we expect to grow community awareness and understanding or SMR leading to consent of local communities to host SMR.
POLICY, LEGISLATION, AND REGULATION
Develop Standards on SMRs
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ACM04
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 15
ACTIONS
Several AECOM staff are currently engaged in the CSA Group on a number of sub-committees/sub-groups including:
- Technical Subcommittees
- CSA Small Reactor task force
- The Nuclear Strategic Steering Committee.
AECOM will continue to work on developing standards with the CSA group and others to advance SMRs development in Canada and internationally.
EXPECTED RESULTS
By engaging with standards organizations in Canada, AECOM expects the following results:
- At least one demonstration SMR and in operation by 2026 in Canada
- After successful demonstration at least one commercial SMR deployed by 2030
- Advance the SMR nuclear industry in Canada related to manufacturing technologies, advanced construction techniques and other licensing issues.
Safe deployment of SMRs in Canada.
POLICY, LEGISLATION, AND REGULATION
Provincial and Federal Government Partnerships
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ACM05
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 4, 7, 23
ACTIONS
AECOM has been engaged with our provincial and federal partners to advance SMR develop in Canada. This action commits our effort to ensure the pan-Canadian SMR industry secures adequate cost and risk sharing and we will engage with our partners on relevant policy, legislation and regulation.
EXPECTED RESULTS
By continuing to engage with our Federal and Provincial partners we expect the following results:
- Construction of at least one demonstration SMR and in operation by 2026 in Canada, according to the SMR Action Plan
- After successful demonstration at least one commercial SMR deployed by 2030
Streamlining and alignment of regulations to technical issues and to improve regulatory efficiency.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Successful Alliances with our Indigenous Partners
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ACM06
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 10, 11, 12, 19, 24, 43
ACTIONS
AECOM will continue to engage with and partner with our indigenous partners using innovative approaches to help create greater public awareness and understanding of the risk/cost/benefits of SMR facilities.
Also work towards consent from Indigenous Partners to host SMR facilities on lands such as OPG Darlington and CNL.
AECOM will also work towards our Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Certification offered by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
EXPECTED RESULTS
By following this partner-based approach to engagement with our indigenous community, AECOM expects the following results by completing this action item:
- Construction of at least one demonstration SMR and in operation by 2026 in Canada, According to the SMR Action Plan,
- After successful demonstration at least one commercial SMR deployed by 2030
- Economic growth opportunities for our indigenous partners by being involved in SMR development.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) in SMR Hiring
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ACM07
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 39, 49
ACTIONS
AECOM is leading the industry in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) and this action challenges us to keep ED&I as the focus of our policy and processes, recruiting, employee development, industry outreach and partnerships.
In addition to this effort, AECOM will also participate in the Equal by 30 campaign and encourage our partners to all sign on to this important initiative.
EXPECTED RESULTS
By pursuing these initiatives, AECOM expects the following results:
- A workforce that represents the communities we serve and brings together different perspectives to deliver more successful results.
Encourage other companies/partners to pursue diversity and inclusion in their workforce to have an SMR workforce that is fully diverse.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Participation in Nuclear Organizations/Associations
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ACM08
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 05, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
ACTIONS
AECOM will continue to participate and motivate our staff to patriciate in some of the following nuclear organizations/associations: Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA), Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI), Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) and CANDU Owners Group.
EXPECTED RESULTS
By participating with and engagement with these groups, AECOM expects the following results:
- A unified Team-Canada/pan-Canadian approach to SMR development which lifts the entire nuclear industry in Canada.
- Construction of at least one demonstration SMR and in operation by 2026 in Canada, According to the SMR Action Plan,
After successful demonstration at least one commercial SMR deployed by 2030.
CAPACITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Canadian Post-Secondary Engagement on SMRs
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ACM09
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 39, 48, 49, 50
ACTIONS
AECOM plans to be engaged with post-secondary students at Canadian universities/colleges to help promote the SMR industry. This includes speaking at conferences and recruiting events.
EXPECTED RESULTS
From this outreach with Canadian University/College Students AECOM expects the following results:
- Make students aware of the exciting opportunities with the Nuclear Industry in Canada and specifically related to SMRs
Increase diversity of our workforce by hiring young talent to AECOM.
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND MARKETS
Build International Collaboration for Canadian SMRs
STATUS: IN PROGRESS
ACM10
Responds to SMR Roadmap recommendation(s): 14, 15, 25, 28, 34
ACTIONS
AECOM will use our global reach to partner and build international collaboration to help support Canadian SMRs. This work will be focused on leaning best practices from international jurisdictions that can be applied in Canada and help develop a global supply chain that can support the industry
EXPECTED RESULTS
By building and international network to support Canadian SMRs, this will help strengthen the SMR industry in Canada and built towards, in the short term, the following results:
- Construction of at least one demonstration SMR and in operation by 2026 in Canada, According to the SMR Action Plan,
- After successful demonstration at least one commercial SMR deployed by 2030
- International appeal and investment towards the Canadian SMR industry