For the first time, Canadian nuclear technology could play a major role in meeting Indiana’s growing electricity needs. AtkinsRéalis, the State of Indiana, and Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative have signed an agreement to explore building as many as eight CANDU heavy water nuclear reactors, with a combined generating capacity of up to 6,000 megawatts (MW).
Announced on October 19, 2026, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) represents an important step toward potentially introducing Canadian-designed nuclear reactors into the United States.
The proposed development would provide Indiana with a substantial source of reliable baseload electricity at a time when demand is increasing due to artificial intelligence, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and industrial expansion.
Why Indiana Is Considering CANDU Technology
CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium) reactors use heavy water as a neutron moderator and coolant. Unlike most commercial nuclear reactors operating in the United States, CANDU reactors can operate using natural uranium fuel, eliminating the need for uranium enrichment.
Developed in Canada, the technology has accumulated nearly 1,000 reactor-years of operating experience over more than six decades. CANDU reactors are operating in several countries, including Canada, South Korea, China, Argentina, and Romania. India has a number of heavy water reactors deployed as well most are not licensed from CANDU technology.
This operating history, combined with fuel flexibility and the potential for standardized construction, makes CANDU an option worth evaluating for utilities seeking large-scale nuclear generation.
For Indiana, developing multiple reactors could offer advantages in construction efficiency, workforce development, and long-term operating costs.
Governor Mike Braun has emphasized the importance of affordable electricity and skilled employment. A large nuclear development could create thousands of construction and technical jobs while supporting economic activity for decades.
A Phased Approach to Meeting Electricity Demand
The agreement goes beyond examining a single nuclear power station.
AtkinsRéalis and its partners will evaluate a coordinated nuclear development program potentially involving multiple sites across Indiana. This approach could allow standardized reactor designs, repeatable construction processes, and a sustained domestic supply chain.
The evaluation will also examine whether smaller natural gas-fired power plants could be built ahead of nuclear facilities to address more immediate electricity requirements.
Another possibility is converting retired or retiring fossil-fuel power generation sites to nuclear energy. Existing infrastructure, including transmission connections and industrial facilities, could make some locations attractive for redevelopment.
Hoosier Energy, a nonprofit wholesale electricity provider, brings practical utility experience to these discussions. Its member cooperatives serve more than 700,000 consumers across central and southern Indiana and southeastern Illinois.
Canadian Technology Begins Its U.S. Licensing Journey
A significant aspect of the announcement is AtkinsRéalis’ effort to establish a regulatory pathway for CANDU reactors in the United States.
In June 2026, the company submitted a Letter of Intent to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), initiating preliminary licensing discussions.
The first public meeting with the NRC took place in August, and AtkinsRéalis has submitted the first of seven planned technical reports, addressing quality assurance.
The NRC’s established relationship with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission could help the regulatory review benefit from Canada’s extensive experience with CANDU technology.
Nevertheless, U.S. licensing will be a substantial undertaking. The Indiana proposal remains at an exploratory stage, with decisions on sites, financing, electricity purchase agreements, environmental assessments, and community engagement still to come.
A Potential New Chapter in U.S.–Canada Nuclear Cooperation
If developed, Indiana’s proposed 6,000 MW nuclear program could become a major opportunity for Canadian nuclear engineering expertise and equipment suppliers.
It could also stimulate demand for U.S.-based manufacturing, specialized components, construction services, and skilled nuclear workers.
For AtkinsRéalis, which already maintains an office in Indianapolis, the initiative offers an opportunity to expand its U.S. nuclear business while demonstrating CANDU technology’s relevance to America’s changing energy requirements.
Although no reactor construction has been approved, Indiana’s interest signals a potentially important opening for Canadian heavy water reactor technology in the U.S. electricity market—and another promising area for cross-border industrial cooperation.
