29 May (NucNet): Atomic Energy of Canada (AECL) said today it plans to seek pre-licensing approval in the UK for its 1,200 megawatt electric ACR-1000 Advanced Candu Reactor as part of the generic design assessment process.
AECL’s vice-president of reactor development Jerry Hopwood said: “We are very pleased that the (UK’s) energy review is moving forward and believe that nuclear power will play a significant role in assisting the UK in cutting harmful emissions.
“We recently indicated to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that we intend to seek design acceptance for the ACR-1000 Advanced Candu Reactor and we plan to formally apply to be pre-licensed through the generic design assessment process shortly.”
AECL’s announcement follows a recent statement from the UK government which said its “preliminary view” was that it would be in the public interest to allow energy companies to invest in nuclear power. The government said on 23 May 2007 that, as part of a new energy policy document (white paper), it would continue a consultation process until October 2007 before making a final decision.
