This type of fabrication hasn't occurred in the U.S. in decades," said AREVA Newport News President and General Manager Chris Levesque. "It is a huge milestone and a symbol of what is to come when AREVA Newport News opens for business
– By Stephen Heiser –
AREVA announced the successful delivery of the second replacement reactor vessel closure head to Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Diablo Canyon Power Plant on July 19, 2010. The Diablo Canyon replacement reactor head fabrication was managed by AREVA and manufactured in the U.S. using AREVA technology.
“This type of fabrication hasn't occurred in the U.S. in decades," said AREVA Newport News President and General Manager Chris Levesque. "It is a huge milestone and a symbol of what is to come when AREVA Newport News opens for business."
Plant upgrades and license renewals, combined with plans for new reactors, are fueling the economy and the nuclear resurgence in the United States.
“We are making investments in the U.S. supply chain,” said Joe Zwetolitz, AREVA Inc. Sr. VP, Reactors and Services. “These investments include a heavy component manufacturing facility in Newport News, Va., totaling $363 million, and the Eagle Rock uranium enrichment plant in Bonneville County, Idaho which is estimated at approximately $3 billion. New nuclear facilities will be built in America by Americans, and their construction and operation will create thousands of new jobs.”
The head is scheduled for installation this fall and represents a major investment to the plant by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The two units at Diablo Canyon Power Plant produce enough safe and carbon-free electricity to power nearly three million homes each year.
AREVA provides its customers with solutions for carbon-free power generation in North America and all over the world. As the leader in nuclear energy and a significant, growing player in the renewable energies sector, AREVA combines U.S. and Canadian leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance. Sustainable development is a core component of AREVA’s strategy. Its more than 5,000 U.S. and Canadian employees work every day to make AREVA a responsible industrial player helping to supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical energy to the greatest number of people. AREVA Inc. is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.