AtkinsRéalis opens new technology center in Washington DC
Canada-based AtkinsRéalis has opened its new $20m AtkinsRéalis Technology Center (ATC) in Richland, Washington state. The ATC will be used to further develop innovative nuclear and environmental cleanup technologies, digital solutions and robotics implementation.
The Center is located near the existing Atkins-Realis Engineering Laboratory and the University of Washington campus, and has more than 4,800 square meters of open office space as well as traditional private offices. Two workshops and an additional 4,800 square meters of nearly 18-meter high multi-tiered test area with overhead crane complete the test center.
The laboratory recently commissioned melting furnaces that heat and preserve nuclear waste in glass to create a safe form for permanent storage. The furnaces are located at the Low-Level Waste Repository near the Hanford plant. They are the world’s largest melting facilities and have a lifespan of about five years.
AtkinsRéalis notes that it will continue using the laboratory to assemble and store spare melting furnaces before they are transported and installed near the Hanford repository under a contract to support the U.S. Department of Energy.