Unistar Nuclear Energy, a joint venture between Constellation Energy and EDF, is one step closer to the construction of an advanced design nuclear reactor in the USA having submitted plans to the authorities in Maryland and secured Alstom as a major equipment supplier.
Baltimore, MD-based Unistar has submitted an application to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the potential construction of a new nuclear unit at Constellation Energy’s Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in southern Maryland. It says that a third unit at the site is an economic and environmentally sound means of providing additional baseload capacity in the region.
Unistar has also signed a letter of intent with Alstom for the supply of turbine generators for its planned fleet of advanced design reactors in the USA. Although it has not yet finalised the site of its first reactor project, Unistar says that this agreement will give it certainty in the global supply chain.
In addition to potential third reactor at Calvert Cliffs, Constellation Energy’s Nine Mile Point nuclear facility in upstate New York also is under consideration by Unistar as an attractive location for the first of four advanced design reactors using Areva’s US Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR) technology. Unistar announced plans in July 2007 to develop, own and operate a fleet of US EPRs, which use an advanced design technology (an adapted version of the European Pressurised Water Reactor) featuring additional redundant safety systems and higher efficiency.
“Given the extreme volatility of energy prices worldwide and the significant environmental costs associated with new and anticipated regulation governing coal-fired generation, we believe nuclear energy affords our nation the most economic and environmentally friendly alternative to meet what will no doubt continue to be increasing demand for energy,” said Michael J. Wallace, Unistar Chairman.
Under its agreement with Unistar, Alstom will supply a minimum of four Arabelle turbine generators. The order for the first turbine could be made in 2008, says Unistar, which aims to have its first reactor operational by 2015.
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