Annual report, 1981-82

Recent operational restructuring implemented grouped the Engineering, Chemical, and International Companies under CANDU Operations. The Research Company was charged with finding products and markets to bridge the gap in new orders for reactors apparent for the next few years. Net income rose 46 percent to $19.7 million. Economic slowdown in Canada and elsewhere had little effect as AECL continued to fufill obligations on previously negotiated multi-year contracts. Over 60 percent of commercial revenue came from outside Canada, and at $234 million was marginally higher than 1980-81. Development of the superconducting cyclotron continued at Chalk River, with successful testing of magnetic field and radiofrequency systems. The nuclear fuel waste management program continued, with selection of a site for an underground research laboratory near Pinawa, Manitoba. The Therac-25 high energy accelerator for cancer therapy neared completion of its development and manufacturing program. There are more than 10 orders already booked. A record 15.2 million curies of cobalt 60 were shipped, an increase of 25 percent in orders for gamma irradiation processing. The prototype Douglas Point generating station was returned to full power and reached its highest annual capacity factor since 1975. Conceptual design of the new standardized two 950MW-unit CANDU PHWR generating station was completed. AECL responded to a request for quotations from the Mexican government for its nuclear power program