ARC Clean Technology Advances ARC-100 Reactor Toward Commercial Deployment Following Regulatory Milestone

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 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 regulatory clearance represents a critical step toward commercial deployment of advanced nuclear technology in Canada and internationally.

The Phase 2 Vendor Design Review, 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 process ensures that the ARC-100 design meets Canada's stringent nuclear regulatory standards while addressing potential safety concerns through engineered solutions and robust operational procedures.

Robert Braun, Chief Operating Officer for ARC, emphasized the importance of this achievement in establishing the company's regulatory credibility. This milestone not only demonstrates ARC's commitment to meeting Canadian nuclear standards but also enhances the global marketability of their technology. The successful review provides potential international customers and regulatory bodies with confidence in the ARC-100 design's safety and compliance with established nuclear standards.

This regulatory advancement 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 positive outcome from the CNSC review strengthens the case for deploying the demonstration unit and accelerates the timeline for potential commercial operation. Lori Clark, President and CEO of NB Power, acknowledged the significance of this milestone in advancing project development and exploring innovative energy solutions for the province.

With the successful completion of the CNSC Vendor Design Review, ARC Clean Technology is now positioned to advance to subsequent licensing phases and eventual deployment. This progress contributes to Canada's strategic position as a global leader in clean energy technology and advanced nuclear innovation. The ARC-100 represents a promising solution for decarbonizing industrial processes and electricity generation while supporting energy security and economic development objectives through advanced nuclear technology deployment.