Big news for one of two companies that are looking to build small modular nuclear reactors in New Brunswick.

ARC Clean Technology has shared its early procurement schedule for its proposed ARC-100 demonstration unit at Point Lepreau.

Supply chain manager Anthony Jackman said procurement for some of the nuclear components will begin next year.

Contract awards are expected in the latter part of 2025, Jackman said during last week’s Opportunities New Brunswick supply chain event.

“The unique ARC-100 design has a small nuclear island, which reduces the amount of specialized equipment and hardware,” said Jackman.

“This increases the opportunity for New Brunswick companies that currently supply similar services to heavy industry to participate in the construction of the ARC-100 plant beginning with the first unit.”

ARC, working in partnership with NB Power, is hoping to have the demonstration unit up and running by the end of the decade.

The two partners submitted a licence to prepare site application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in July.

At the same time, they also submitted an environmental impact assessment registration to the province. Environment Minister Gary Crossman later announced that the application will undergo a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.