United States: AREVA and FNEG sign MOU for clean energy park project in California

AREVA and Fresno Nuclear Energy Group (FNEG) today announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop a Clean Energy Park near Fresno, California, including nuclear and renewable generation. 

According to the MOU, AREVA and FNEG will work together on the site selection and initial development of a nominal 1,600 Megawatt U.S. EPR™ reactor. The agreement also includes potential development of other AREVA energy technologies such as concentrated solar power.

"Our goal is to create a power-producing infrastructure that combines clean electric energy sources, including nuclear, solar, and future technologies," said John Hutson, president of FNEG.

"We look forward to helping to realize a Clean Energy Park in California.  This agreement with FNEG is an important step toward reaching our goal of developing a fleet of U.S. EPR™ reactors, which will produce cost-effective, CO₂-free electricity” said Jacques Besnainou, CEO of AREVA Inc. ”AREVA, which holds a complete renewable energy portfolio, is also pleased with the potential development of concentrated solar power generation as part of this Clean Energy Park.”

John Hutson added, "Our vision of a Clean Energy Park in California's Central Valley would produce large amounts of clean electricity for our state's critical agricultural industry while meeting our self-imposed commitment to reduce greenhouse gases."

FNEG and AREVA are considering several promising sites. Once a site is selected, work will begin on the solar phase of the Clean Energy Park. 

When complete, the solar and nuclear plants will produce clean, constant, reliable, carbon free electricity for more than 1.6 million households.