United States: Fresno Nuclear Energy Group en-visions building EPR™ reactors

AREVA and Fresno Nuclear Energy Group (FNEG) have signed a Letter of Intent to formalize cooperation in the development of one or two EPR™ reactors in Central Valley (California, United States).

FNEG is a group of investors that wishes to acquire the EPR™ generation 3+ technology to provide an environmentally responsible source of electricity to further develop the agricultural industry within Central Valley. The future EPR™ reactors would also enable the State of California to satisfy growing demands in electricity while respecting its commitment to reduce CO2 emissions.

The two companies will work together on the initial development and permitting process. In 2010, AREVA and FNEG will begin a series of studies to identify the most feasible site for a new nuclear power plant in California.

Certification of the EPR™ reactor is currently underway in the United States. The EPR™ technology has been chosen by Constellation, PPL, AmerenUE, and Amarillo Power for a total of six potential reactor construction projects. It is also under evaluation by Duke Energy as well as Fresno Nuclear Energy.