ARC Clean Technology Advances ARC-100 Reactor with Successful Canadian Nuclear Regulatory 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 the 100MWe sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor, which is designed for both electricity production and industrial heat applications. This positive outcome represents a crucial step toward commercial deployment of advanced nuclear technology in Canada and internationally.

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. The thorough examination by nuclear regulators validates the technical maturity and safety approach of the ARC-100 design, providing confidence to potential customers and investors in the technology's viability.

Robert Braun, Chief Operating Officer for ARC, emphasized the significance of this achievement, noting that it demonstrates the company's commitment to meeting Canada's rigorous nuclear regulatory standards while enhancing the global credibility of their advanced reactor technology. The successful review outcome strengthens ARC's position in the competitive advanced nuclear market and supports the company's ongoing commercial deployment strategy.

This regulatory milestone directly supports concurrent 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 site. Lori Clark, President and CEO of NB Power, acknowledged the importance of this development in advancing the project and exploring innovative energy solutions for the province. The successful VDR completion provides crucial regulatory confidence as NB Power moves forward with site preparation activities.

With the CNSC review successfully concluded, ARC Clean Technology is now positioned to advance to subsequent licensing phases and deployment planning. This progress contributes significantly to Canada's strategic position as a global leader in clean energy innovation and advanced nuclear technology development, supporting both domestic energy security and international climate goals through the deployment of reliable, carbon-free power generation.