WSP awarded contact for nuclear waste storage project

WSP in Canada (WSP) has been named as the vendor of choice for the design and engineering contract for the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO).

The project is being delivered using the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) procurement model. By utilizing the IPD procurement model, NWMO and the companies involved will assign team members to a project execution team to work collaboratively, alongside NWMO, as a single unit in a co-located office space to move the project forward. This collaborative contracting approach is a better fit than other traditional project delivery models for such a unique, long-term, first-of-its-kind mega-project.

“We look forward to the opportunity to work with our project partners to deliver this invaluable project, an important step forward for Canada’s current and future nuclear energy production,” says Marie-Claude Dumas, President of WSP in Canada.

WSP has been selected to provide design and engineering services. Working alongside WSP will be Kiewit (constructor), Hatch (mining/nuclear systems and facilities design), Thyssen (mining constructor), and Kinectrics (nuclear management advisor).

“Creating a solution for used fuel storage will enable the pursuit of greater nuclear energy production in Canada, a key resource in driving the energy transition”, says Karen Fritz, Senior Vice-President, Nuclear Market Leader, WSP in Canada.

The DGR design uses engineered and natural barriers that work in tandem to isolate and contain used nuclear fuel roughly 700 meters underground. Used nuclear fuel is currently safely stored at generation sites, but a long-term storage solution, beyond the life of the plant, is needed. In November 2024, the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation-Ignace site in northwestern Ontario was chosen for the DGR following a robust site selection process.

WSP provides solutions throughout the nuclear energy life cycle. From uranium mining and location siting to reclamation and waste management, WSP has the national and global expertise to help companies at any stage of the nuclear energy journey. 

For further information about WSPs nuclear services, click here.

For further information about the Deep Geological Repository, click here.

Featured image: NWMO Vice-President and Chief Engineer Chris Boyle addresses vendors at the NWMO Discovery and Demonstration Centre. Credit: NWMO.