Nuclear Power Canada
Learning Journey Complete
The Natural Uranium Solution
Solving the enrichment problem with heavy water innovation

No Enrichment Required

While most reactors need expensive uranium enrichment facilities, CANDU uses natural uranium as mined from the earth.

The Problem

  • • Enrichment plants cost billions to build and operate
  • • Energy intensive process - massive electricity consumption
  • • Technical complexity - separating nearly identical isotopes
  • • Proliferation risk - same technology can make weapons
  • • Foreign dependence - few countries have enrichment

CANDU Solution

  • • Uses natural uranium - no enrichment needed
  • • Energy independence - domestic fuel cycle
  • • Lower costs - no enrichment infrastructure
  • • No proliferation risk from fuel cycle

The Heavy Water Secret

Heavy water (D₂O) is the key innovation. While regular water absorbs too many neutrons for natural uranium to sustain a chain reaction, heavy water absorbs far fewer neutrons, enabling the use of unenriched fuel.

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