AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. continued to tout its nuclear business as one of the keys to its growth strategy amid a record-high backlog last quarter.

The engineering services firm says its services backlog stood at $16.84 billion as of Sept. 30, representing a 34.7 per cent increase from $12.50 billion a year earlier.

The nuclear segment's order book reached a record level of $3.2 billion as revenue for the division rose 36.4 per cent year-over-year to $368.9 million.

The company's shares closed at $74.24 on Thursday, up $10.06, or around 15.7 per cent.

During the quarter, Atkins subsidiary Candu Energy signed a life extension contract for two reactors at the Qinshan Nuclear Generating Station in China. Atkins also continues contract negotiations regarding new builds at the Cernavoda nuclear power plant in Romania, said chief executive Ian Edwards.

He said this exemplifies "the demand and potential of our nuclear prowess across the globe."

"We are one of the few public companies with the expertise and capabilities to service the entire life cycle of a nuclear asset," said Edwards during the company's third-quarter earnings call on Thursday.

"Through this, we can build a backlog that will grow over time and provide recurring revenue for decades to come."

He added the company is "in discussions with public entities" about building new reactors to help support net-zero emissions goals.

"These potential contracts represent a massive opportunity for our business and could deliver significant growth over the next 10 years and beyond."

Asked if there is a risk the nuclear industry could face capacity constraints down the road as it works to meet growing demand for new builds, Edwards said the issue is top of mind for Atkins.

He said the company has onboarded more than 1,000 employees in the past year for its nuclear business. It also launched its Canadians for Candu campaign earlier this year to promote its nuclear technology.

"Ultimately, there may be a need to develop ... stronger relationships globally, and we have ties with very strong global companies that can help, but our focus in the short term is definitely Canada and building the Canadian strands," he said.

Atkins announced on Wednesday it was awarded a 10-year contract for US$2.3 billion, along with partners Westinghouse Government Services and Jacobs Technology Inc., to operate facilities and assume site landlord responsibilities at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Paducah and Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plants.