2 June (NucNet): Constellation Energy of the US and Electricite de France (EDF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that may result in them working together on the development of the US Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR).
As part of the MOU the companies are aiming to finalise a technical assistance agreement in the coming weeks for the exchange of engineers, documentation and assistance services. The agreement will also allow EDF and Constellation Energy to explore further areas in which they might cooperate on new nuclear development opportunities in the US.
In September 2005, Constellation Energy and Areva Inc, a subsidiary of France’s Areva group, formed a business venture, UniStar Nuclear, which aims to build and operate a fleet of EPRs under turnkey contracts.
The US EPR is a 1,600 megawatt reactor designed for the US by Areva.
It is a standardised, advanced design derived from the EPR unit being built in Europe. The first EPR, under construction at Olkiluoto, Finland, is scheduled to begin operations by 2009. The second, in Flamanville, France, was approved by EDF in May 2006 and is scheduled for completion in 2012.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
New Enterprise Formed To Market ‘US EPR’ For America (News No. 149, 15 September 2005)
Constellation Confirms Plans For Nuclear Plant Licence Application (World Nuclear Review No. 145, 28 October 2005)
