CNL Signs Agreement with China’s Largest Nuclear Organization

Canada’s national nuclear laboratory continues to strengthen ties with global leaders in an effort to advance sustainable, low-carbon energy solutions

CHALK RIVER, Ontario, May 04, 2018 -- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a cooperation agreement with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) for nuclear energy science and technology to support the transition to a greener, low-carbon economy. CNL President & CEO Mark Lesinski joined CNNC President Yu Jianfeng in Beijing on May 4, 2018 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations.

CNL President & CEO Mark Lesinski joined CNNC President Yu Jianfeng in Beijing on May 4, 2018 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations.

Both Canada and China have affirmed that action on climate change, including decisive steps towards low-carbon, sustainable development is crucial. The “Joint Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth” released by the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Canada in December specifically highlights the need for a collaborative and cooperative response by governments and businesses to build the momentum necessary to make real progress in the push for a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.

“This agreement between CNNC and Canada’s national nuclear laboratory will help strengthen and grow our cooperation with China,” commented Jim Carr, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources. “The Government of Canada is committed to promoting clean growth as part of the transition to a competitive, low-carbon economy. Nuclear energy has an important role to play in future clean energy systems.”

CNNC is a leader in the Chinese nuclear industry, and the only Chinese organization whose portfolio includes the complete system of nuclear technology from geological exploration to nuclear power research, design, construction and operation.  CNL is Canada’s national nuclear laboratory and operates the country’s largest science and technology complex.  The two organizations benefit from the many unique capabilities and complementary strengths of the other. The agreement supports sustaining and improving the performance of current nuclear technologies, while collaborating to develop and demonstrate new nuclear technologies.

“Canada and China have a long history of working together to advance nuclear science and technology,” explains Mark Lesinski, President & CEO. “The need for truly viable, cost-effective and sustainable clean energy solutions is a global challenge; international partnerships and cooperation, such as today’s agreement with CNNC, lay the groundwork for us to face this challenge together.”

“This agreement enables cooperative research on issues such as economics and safety,” noted Yu Jianfeng, CNNC President. “Continued progress and innovation in these areas is vital to the future of clean nuclear energy.”

As outlined in its Long-Term Strategy, CNL is actively applying its strengths in nuclear science to advance clean energy initiatives.  This includes projects to demonstrate large-scale clean hydrogen production with the goal of helping to decarbonize the transport sector.  CNL also made a recent announcement for the siting of a small modular reactor at a CNL-managed site.

For more information on CNL, including details on the organization’s Long-Term Strategy, visit www.cnl.ca. 

About CNL

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is a world leader in nuclear science and technology offering unique capabilities and solutions across a wide range of industries. Actively involved with industry-driven research and development in nuclear, transportation, clean technology, energy, defence, security and life sciences, we provide solutions to keep these sectors competitive internationally.

With ongoing investments in new facilities and a focused mandate, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is well positioned for the future. A new performance standard reinforced with a strong safety culture underscores every activity.

For more information on the complete range of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories services, please visit www.cnl.ca or contact [email protected].

Contact:
Patrick Quinn
Director, Corporate Communications
CNL, 1-866-886-2325

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/1fed945c-c645-4df2-8e4b-88e3cb67a51b