Indiana considering 6 GW Candu nuclear project

A memorandum of understanding they have signed "will facilitate initial discussions to evaluate potential deployment scenarios for Candu nuclear technology in the state".

The evaluation will also consider a potential gas-to-nuclear construction model to accelerate the deployment of the new power capacity, including at retired, or retiring, existing power sites.

The memorandum of understanding states that any potential project timeline "will depend on site selection, financing, utility or offtake arrangements, applicable regulatory and licensing activities, environmental review, transmission and interconnection planning, community and stakeholder engagement, and other diligence and approvals".

Indiana Governor Mike Braun said: "Ensuring affordable electricity and high-wage opportunities for Indiana's skilled workforce are top priorities. By exploring this technology, we're evaluating a path to deliver more affordable power while creating the kind of long-term, skilled jobs that strengthen Hoosier communities."

Candu - for Canada Deuterium Uranium - technology is a Canadian reactor design that uses heavy water (deuterium oxide) as a moderator and coolant, and fuelled using natural uranium (as opposed to enriched uranium). The first prototype unit - with a gross capacity of only 25 MWe - was connected to the grid at Rolphton, Ontario in 1962. Since then, some 34 units have been built around the world, including all 17 of the reactors currently operating in Canada, building up nearly 1,000 reactor-years of experience. It has demonstrated strong operational and safety performance internationally, in Canada, Romania, Argentina, South Korea, and China.

Canadian-headquartered global engineering giant AtkinsRéalis is the original equipment manufacturer and exclusive licence holder of Candu technology: the intellectual property belongs to the Canadian government, and is held on its behalf by Crown corporation Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.

The Enhanced Candu 6 design is a 700+ MW-class pressurised heavy water reactor that uses natural uranium fuel and online refuelling, enabling continuous operation without requiring a shutdown for refuelling.

Joe St Julian, President, Nuclear, at AtkinsRéalis, said: "This collaboration demonstrates the value of working with our American partners to address shared energy challenges and exploring solutions that strengthen energy security, support skilled jobs and deliver lasting benefits to communities in the state."

Donna Walker, President and CEO of not-for-profit transmission cooperative Hoosier Energy, said: "Through this MOU, Hoosier Energy is pleased to offer our expertise as part of early discussions to evaluate whether advanced nuclear energy could be an option worth considering."

In June this year AtkinsRéalis formally submitted a Notice of Intent to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to begin licensing its technology in the USA. It said the "first public NRC meeting associated with the licensing process was held in August 2026, and the first of seven planned topical reports - covering the quality assurance programme - has now been submitted".

Earlier this week, a separate potential nuclear power project for Indiana was announced by utility American Electric Power, X-energy and Amazon, which was for a 960 MW project at a former coal plant site in Sullivan County.