Nuclear Energy

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Empowering the future of energy through safe and innovative nuclear solutions that support decarbonization and energy resilience.

Supercharge tomorrow

With demand for sustainable energy rising globally, the challenge is delivering innovative solutions that drive meaningful progress while ensuring reliability and efficiency. By drawing on world-class expertise, we can support the advancement of nuclear projects through its entire lifecycle including uranium mining & fuel processing, site selection, licensing, and permitting of new builds, support of existing nuclear plants and life extensions, and monitoring of on-going operations. WSP can also support decommissioning solutions and waste disposal - helping clients navigate complex transitions with confidence.

As countries look to new deployment of nuclear power with advanced and small modular reactors (SMRs), our specialists collaborate across borders, leveraging industry-leading research and global networks to develop solutions that are practical, scalable, and built for the future.

As we harness the potential of nuclear power, we act as stewards of innovation—supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come. It is no small task, but when achieved, it’s a powerful force for progress.

Anthony Ciccone SVP, Global Nuclear Sector

Anthony Ciccone SVP, Global Nuclear Sector

Providing solutions at various phases of nuclear projects

Uranium mining & processing

As a global leader in consulting, design, and construction, WSP boasts top uranium experts and offers a full suite of integrated engineering and environmental services for the entire project lifecycle, including exploration, permitting, design, environmental impact assessment, and closure. With Canada being a key uranium producer, primarily from Saskatchewan, WSP has over three decades of experience working with major providers like Cameco and Orano, as well as delivering uranium mining solutions worldwide in countries such as Australia, the USA, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Germany, Ukraine, Romania, Argentina, and Brazil.

Nuclear new builds

With over 40 years of experience, our team supports environmental approvals for the Canadian nuclear sector, handling some of the most complex projects in the country. Our deep understanding of environmental regulatory processes for both existing stations and new builds, including small modular reactors (SMRs), positions us to support the next generation of nuclear projects in Canada and worldwide. We collaborate with key clients like Bruce Power, Ontario Power Generation, Saskatchewan Power, and New Brunswick Power, and are actively involved in developing nuclear projects on the international stage, contributing to this exciting new era in nuclear energy.

Radiation monitoring and assessment

We conduct radiological surveys and assessments across the nuclear industry, including mining, new builds, existing facilities, and remediation sites, leveraging our proprietary technology like Scan PlotSM and Scan SortSM to monitor and map radiological contamination effectively. Our team, skilled in radiation monitoring and geographical applications, crafts tailored solutions for real-time land contamination mapping and visual trend analysis, ensuring materials and equipment meet safety standards for release. Additionally, our environmental radiation surveys assess radiological impacts on both human and non-human biota, involving thorough data analysis, dynamic modeling of radioactivity transfer, and risk assessments, contributing to environmental impact assessments and compliance reports.

Remediation and rehabilitation

Remediation of radioactive contaminated sites and dealing with radioactive waste are challenges the industry needs to overcome to unlock its future potential. While land around existing nuclear sites is ideal for developing new build and small modular reactors, we help clients to understand the technical challenges including any necessary remedial action. WSP combines world-leading environmental consultancy with long experience in the nuclear sector. We have worked on land quality planning, environmental impact assessments, and the remediation of the land for clients like Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in Port Hope. Our combination of expertise and experience makes us the perfect choice to support the decommissioning that is key to Canada’s nuclear industry.

Geological disposal facilities

Nuclear energy offers Canada a route to net zero and a secure energy future, necessitating a safe, long-term solution for radioactive waste management. The favored approach is a deep underground storage facility, constructed in a stable geological environment, typically 500 to 1,000 meters below the surface. Since the early 1970s, we've supported the development of such facilities for safely managing radioactive waste. Our work in deep geological environments and engineered barrier systems spans globally, providing extensive, in-depth expertise to organizations, implementers, regulators, and researchers across countries including Canada, the USA, Sweden, Finland, the UK, Hungary, Switzerland, France, Germany, South Korea, and Japan. WSP has been selected by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) to provide design and engineering for Canada’s Deep Geological Repository.

End of life planning - Decommission and demolition

WSP has extensive experience supporting licence holders through each phase of a facility’s life cycle, including end-of-life planning and decommissioning. We specialize in providing a full spectrum of decommissioning solutions, encompassing detailed engineering, design, planning, and general contracting. Our services cover roles as prime contractor, construction management, design-build, and advisory services including closure planning. We also provide concept design and constructability reviews, construction engineering, demolition plans, detailed work plans and project specifications, and serve as engineer of record. Additionally, we manage waste, including hazardous and contaminated materials, ensuring safe and compliant project completion.

Expertise you can rely on

Trusted engineering partner

We bring structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering expertise to nuclear projects, supported by advanced digital tools and the highest safety standards.

Full-spectrum nuclear energy service provider

Uniquely positioned to support every phase of the nuclear energy lifecycle, ensuring continuity, expertise, and integrated solutions from inception to completion.

Diverse expertise across key areas

Specialized in critical segments of the nuclear sector, including uranium mining, siting of new nuclear builds, advanced radiation monitoring, comprehensive waste management, and pioneering in decommissioning/ demolition of sites, as well as geological disposal of nuclear waste.

Decades of dedication

A solid track record with over 50 years of unwavering support and contribution to the nuclear energy industry in Canada, reflecting deep-rooted expertise and a longstanding commitment to the sector’s evolution and safety standards.

Clients we help

A long history of collaboration across the nuclear sector.

Our expertise is informed by a strong track record of working collaboratively with clients, providing solutions that are actionable, scalable, and suitable for both present and future needs. We have a long history of delivering work on some of Canada’s most complex infrastructure projects including within the nuclear sector. WSP has led or supported environmental assessments for every major nuclear project undertaken in Canada to date.

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)

WSP prepared the environmental impact statement for the recently approved near surface disposal facility for low-level radioactive waste to be located at Chalk River Laboratories. WSP is also supporting CNL in various environmental, remediation and decommissioning studies at Whiteshell Laboratories in Manitoba and in Port Hope, Ontario.

Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Canada (NWMO)

For the past 15 years, we’ve been involved in the APM project, Canada’s solution to the long-term management of our used nuclear fuel, including the site selection process, site investigations, facility design, and the evaluation of the engineered barrier system components to isolate the used nuclear fuel.

New Brunswick Power

WSP is providing technical and environmental impact assessment services to support new nuclear at Point Lepreau, including the transportation strategy.

Bruce Power

WSP has supported Bruce Power for the last 20+ years, specifically with environmental services from Bruce A Restart, through major component replacement and life extension, and operational environmental support. WSP is currently supporting Bruce Power with the pre-planning of the impact assessment for the large scale new nuclear proposed at the Bruce C site.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

WSP has provided a variety of environmental services to support licensing at Pickering and Darlington, including the consideration of new nuclear generation. WSP also led the preparation of the environmental impact assessment for OPG’s proposed deep geologic repository (DGR) for low and intermediate level waste at the Bruce nuclear site.

SaskPower

WSP is providing technical services to support SaskPower with the siting of small modular reactors in Saskatchewan.

Explore how our nuclear projects are making an impact

WSP Awarded Contract for Innovative Nuclear Waste Storage Project

The company will provide design, engineering for Deep Geological Repository.

Restoring Port Hope: A community for future generations

WSP is supporting the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI), one of Canada’s most ambitious environmental remediation projects.

Can Nuclear Small Modular Reactors (SMR) redefine our relationship with nuclear?

Our experts explore public perceptions of nuclear, why SMRs must be introduced differently and what the sector can learn from other energy sectors.

Frequently asked questions

What are some common challenges in new nuclear project site selection?

Site selection involves balancing technical, environmental, and social factors. Common challenges include:

Ensuring geological stability and low seismic risk
Access to grid infrastructure, water, and transport
Navigating complex regulatory requirements
Minimizing environmental impact
Building community and Indigenous support

WSP provides comprehensive site selection, site due diligence assessments and engagement strategies to help clients select viable, low-risk locations.

Small or large reactors – what should we consider in project development?

Choosing between Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and large reactors depends on your goals:

SMRs:

Faster deployment (5–8 years)
Lower capital cost
Ideal for remote or industrial sites
Scalable and flexible

Large Reactors:

Higher power output (1,000+ MW)
Long-term baseload generation
Established regulatory pathways
Higher upfront investment but proven technology

WSP helps clients evaluate both options based on energy needs, site conditions, and long-term strategy.

How fast can new nuclear be deployed, and what are the power outputs and costs?

Deployment timelines and costs vary by technology:

SMRs: 5–8 years, 50–300 MW, $1–3 billion
Large Reactors: 10–12 years, 1,000–1,600 MW, $10+ billion

WSP supports clients with cost modeling, schedule planning, and risk mitigation to accelerate deployment and ensure financial viability.

How do you handle and dispose of nuclear waste?

Nuclear waste is managed through a tiered approach:

Low & Intermediate-Level Waste: Safely stored and disposed of in engineered facilities.
High-Level Waste (Spent Fuel): Initially stored on-site, then transferred to long-term geological repositories (or in onsite safe storage containers in the USA). The amount of nuclear waste generated is quite small – spent fuel that would be used to support the energy needs throughout the lifetime of one person that lived for 80 years would fit into a single soda can.

WSP provides services in waste characterization, facility design, transportation logistics, and regulatory compliance to ensure safe and responsible waste management.