GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy to build world's most advanced N-reactor
18 Dec 2009
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy has signed a deal with Michigan's largest electric utility, Detroit Edison, to build a next-generation nuclear reactor design.
The deal includes an agreement on site preparation work planning that meets a pre condition for federal license application process as GE Hitachi plans to market its ESBWR nuclear reactor to help energy companies meet rising electricity demand with clean-air energy as nuclear power generates electricity with near-zero carbon emissions.
GE Hitachi says it believes the ESBWR's features make it the most advanced reactor design in the world, including passive safety systems, a further simplified design and even higher safety margins than the safe fleet of reactors operating today.
These features weighed in favour of Detroit Edison's decision to name the ESBWR reactor design in its application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a construction and operating license for a proposed power plant on the site of its existing Fermi 2 Power Plant, 35 miles south of Detroit. Detroit Edison is DTE Energy's electric utility serving southeast Michigan.
''DTE Energy is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing our customers the best long-term solution for their energy needs,'' said Ron May, DTE Energy senior vice president, major enterprise projects. ''GE Hitachi's ESBWR meets these requirements as the best technical solution for the expected 60-year life of the proposed plant. Nuclear energy is clearly a low-cost fuel source for our customers and provides excellent safety and reliability.''
The agreement is the latest milestone in the ESBWR's commercial development. In August, GE Hitachi submitted a comprehensive, revised design certification document to the NRC on the ESBWR. In April, GE Hitachi announced fabrication had begun on the first ESBWR reactor pressure vessel by Equipos Nucleares SA (ENSA) in Spain.
