AtkinsRรฉalis Group, Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative and the State of Indiana have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a potential 6 GW nuclear power development using up to eight Candu reactor units. The proposed Candu nuclear project would be evaluated as a possible source of electricity capacity for the US state, with discussions also examining whether existing or retiring power plant sites could support deployment.
The agreement establishes an initial evaluation rather than a commitment to construct the reactors. According to the memorandum, any 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”.
Candu Technology And Deployment Options
The partners will assess potential deployment scenarios for Candu nuclear technology and consider a gas-to-nuclear construction model intended to accelerate the addition of new generating capacity. This approach could include locations where existing power facilities have been retired or are approaching retirement.
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 reactors use heavy water, or deuterium oxide, as a moderator and coolant, and are designed to operate using natural uranium fuel. The technology has been deployed in Canada, Romania, Argentina, South Korea and China. According to the information provided by the project partners, approximately 34 units have been built internationally.
AtkinsRรฉalis is the original equipment manufacturer and exclusive licence holder for Candu technology. The company’s Enhanced Candu 6 design is a pressurised heavy water reactor in the 700 MW-plus class. It uses natural uranium fuel and online refuelling, allowing the reactor to continue operating while fuel is replenished.
Joe St Julian, president of Nuclear at AtkinsRรฉalis, 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.”
Hoosier Energy President and CEO Donna Walker 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.”
US Licensing Work And Indiana Nuclear Plans
AtkinsRรฉalis submitted a Notice of Intent to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in June 2026 to begin the licensing process for its technology in the United States. The first public NRC meeting associated with the process took place in August 2026, and the company has submitted the first of seven planned topical reports, covering its quality assurance programme.
The proposed Candu nuclear project comes as other developers assess new nuclear capacity in Indiana. Earlier, American Electric Power, X-energy and Amazon announced a separate feasibility study for a proposed 960 MW advanced nuclear facility at the former Breed Generating Station in Sullivan County.
Both proposals remain at an early stage. The 6 GW initiative will require further evaluation of technical, commercial, regulatory and site-related conditions before the partners can determine whether to proceed with construction.