Resources & Stats
January 2008
NRC Begins Regulatory Reviews for New-Plant Licenses
The nuclear energy industry made good on its intent to begin filing new-reactor applications in 2007. By the end of the year, four companies had submitted full combined construction and operating license applications and one company had submitted an application for safety approval of its advanced reactor design.The latest combined license application came from Duke Energy Corp. in December for two Westinghouse AP1000 reactors at the William States Lee site in Cherokee County, S.C. Also in December, AREVA submitted an application for federal approval of its state-of-the-art reactor design, the U.S. EPR.
This year, several additional companies are likely to file combined license applications with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Also In This Issue:
Putting the Base In ‘Baseload’
Just as America’s energy companies are turning to nuclear to meet rising energy demand, the U.S. military also is weighing that option. The U.S. Air Force has put in place a strategy to reduce electricity demand, increase supply and “make energy a consideration in everything it does,” said Kevin Billings, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for environment, safety and occupational health.
Union Prepares to Meet Labor Demand
The projected boon in new reactors for America’s nuclear energy renaissance begs the question: Who is going to build them? Construction projects of such magnitude mean the country will need thousands of skilled craft workers. Each new reactor will require about 250 sheet metal workers, including 50 certified welders, during peak construction.
Media Glimpses Nuclear Plant
Visitors cannot help notice the Braidwood Nuclear Power Plant as they travel along Illinois 53. The building stands out in stark contrast to the cornfields and surrounding residences. Officially it is called the Braidwood Generating Station owned by Exelon Nuclear even though the property was formally annexed into Braceville in 2004. Recently, members of the media were allowed a rare glimpse inside the giant power plant.