4 Dec (NucNet): Constellation Energy of the US would break ground on a third reactor unit at its Calvert Cliffs site before the end of 2008 if adequate loan guarantee provisions are in place, Michael Wallace, president of Constellation Energy Generation Group, said last week at a Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) meeting in Washington.
“We are on a critical path to build several new nuclear plants, but the question of whether we move fast or slow down will be based on certain preconditions being met,” Mr Wallace said.
Mr Wallace outlined Constellation’s strategic direction and its need to build new baseload power. He said the company will not build a coal plant because there is “too much uncertainty” regarding environmental issues in light of the possibility of taxes on carbon emissions.
“We don’t want to build natural gas either, but may have to so the lights don’t go out,” Mr Wallace said. “Our board has decided that we will build new nuclear, but it just depends on when.”
In July 2007, Constellation and Electricite de France (EDF) said they were forming a nuclear holding company called UniStar Nuclear Energy to develop, own and operate new nuclear power plants in the US and Canada.
Under the agreement, Constellation Energy will have the right to develop possible nuclear projects at the Calvert Cliffs nuclear, Nine Mile Point and R. E. Ginna nuclear plants.
The joint venture’s prime reactor technology will be the next-generation US Evolutionary Power Reactor (USEPR), based on Areva’s European Pressurised Water Reactor design.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
Constellation And EDF Sign Agreement On EPR Development (World Nuclear Review No. 22, 2 June 2006)
EDF And Constellation Energy Form Nuclear Joint Venture (News in Brief No. 17, 23 July 2007)
