​Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL)

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited founded COG’s predecessor, CANDev (CANDU Development) in 1979. With Ontario Hydro, Hydro Québec and New Brunswick Power, it was one of COG’s founding members in 1984. AECL transferred its COG membership to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in 2015 after CNL became accountable for management of AECL’s sites, facilities and assets. 

As a federal Crown corporation, AECL receives government funding to enable nuclear science and technology and to protect the environment by fulfilling the government of Canada’s radioactive waste and decommissioning responsibilities.

AECL’s history and past achievements in nuclear science and technology have had impacts on human health, low-carbon energy production, safety, security and the protection of the environment. Starting in 1957, the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor was at the centre of many of these breakthroughs. The NRU was shut down on March 31, 2018.

A fully integrated nuclear technology company, AECL provides services to nuclear facilities worldwide. Its employees are dedicated to delivering leading edge nuclear services, research and development support, design and engineering, construction management, specialized technology, waste management and decommissioning in support of CANDU reactors and technology.

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​Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO)

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization is responsible for designing and implementing Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel. It joined COG as a participant in the Nuclear Safety & Environmental Affairs program in 2017.

The NWMO is a not-for profit organization established in 2002 by Canada’s nuclear electricity producers in accordance with the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act (NFWA). The founding members of the NWMO are Ontario Power Generation (OPG), New Brunswick Power and Hydro-Québec. These organizations, along with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), are mandated to fund its operations.

NWMO oversees the Adaptive Phased Management Plan which requires used fuel to be contained and isolated in a deep geological repository. It also calls for a comprehensive process to select a site with informed and willing hosts for the project.

The organization is made up of some of Canada’s leading experts in fields related to nuclear waste management and it collaborates with experts from across Canada and around the world.