AREVA Signs Letter of Intent with Fresno Nuclear Energy Group for U.S. EPR Project
– By Stephen Heiser –
AREVA and Fresno Nuclear Energy Group (FNEG), LLC announced that both companies have signed a Letter of Intent to formalize cooperation in the development of a nuclear power plant project in or around Fresno, Calif.
The two companies will work together on the initial development and permitting process for one or two AREVA EPR plants, beginning with the preparation and submission of a technology-specific Early Site Permit (ESP) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and subsequent Combined License (COL) Application as a further step toward eventual plant construction.
“We are at the point where a major, well-qualified player must become part of our team,” said John Hutson, President of the Fresno Nuclear Energy Group, LLC. “AREVA shares our commitment to carbon-free, renewable energy; like us, they believe that nuclear is only part of the solution – AREVA is a world leader in designing wind, solar, geothermal and other renewable energy systems, as well.”
FNEG is organized for the objective of providing an environmentally responsible source of electricity to further develop the agricultural industry and wildlife preservation efforts within the Central Valley of California. FNEG and its affiliated organizations are actively pursuing legislative change and support for nuclear power in California through a campaign of public awareness and education.
In 2010, AREVA and FNEG will begin a series of studies to identify the most feasible site for a new nuclear power plant in California.
A new U.S. EPR project would create up to 11,000 direct and indirect jobs during component manufacturing and plant construction. Additionally, it would create more than 400 permanent jobs and spur billions of dollars of investment into the regional economy. Such a project would require hundreds of qualified suppliers and subcontractors. When complete, the 1,600+ Megawatt U.S. EPR nuclear plant would produce clean, reliable, CO2-free baseload electricity for more than 1.6 million households.
As a leading U.S. nuclear vendor and a key player in the renewable energy and electricity transmission and distribution sector, AREVA Inc.’s 6,000 U.S. energy employees are committed to serving the nation and paving the way for the future of the electricity market. With 45 locations across the nation and nearly $2 billion in energy revenues in 2008, AREVA Inc., through its subsidiaries, combines U.S. leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance. In the U.S. and in more than 100 countries around the world, AREVA is engaged in the 21st century’s greatest challenges: making energy available to all, protecting the planet, and acting responsibly toward future generations. AREVA Inc. is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.