United States: AREVA awarded contract for engineering and development of Bellefonte Unit 1 Nuclear Plant

AREVA has been awarded a contract by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for engineering and development work toward the potential completion of the Bellefonte Unit 1 nuclear power plant in northern Alabama.

The TVA Board recently approved funding for the next phase of the plant’s development. Construction of the plant was suspended years ago. The funding covers engineering, licensing, and procurement of long-lead materials in support of a possible start-up date in the 2018-2019 timeframe. TVA has determined it would complete its Integrated Resource Plan prior to making its decision to complete construction of Bellefonte Unit 1.

AREVA will carry out engineering work on the plant’s nuclear island, as well as a new state-of-the-art digital Instrumentation and Control (I&C) system and an advanced control room. The group’s TELEPERM XSTM recently became the first digital I&C system licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Tennessee Valley Authority to help expand America’s supply of safe, reliable, carbon-free nuclear energy to meet the country’s growing demands,” said Mike Rencheck, COO of AREVA North America. “This agreement reinforces our position as a world leader in clean energy solutions.”