Double blow to ESBWR (new nuclear reactors) from Entergy and Dominion

[jpak]

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=24289

Three projects to build GE-Hitachi ESBWR nuclear units are in question after utilities Entergy and Dominion decided to explore alternative nuclear power options.

Both utilities have been unable to agree on terms for engineering construction and procurement deals to actually build the reactors with vendor GE-Hitachi. The news comes seven weeks after another project fell through for GE-Hitachi when Exelon announced it would look around for other nuclear build options in a search for "greater commercial certainty."

Entergy has asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to stop ESBWR-specific work on their applications for construction and operating licenses for new reactors. However, much of the generic work already completed could be transferred to a revised application based on a different reactor technology. Dominion is to solicit bids for another firm to lead the construction of an ESBWR, or for another nuclear technology. Licensing work already underway for Dominion at the NRC will continue until the results of the tender are known.

Both the utilities praised ESBWR: Dominion said it was "an advanced Generation III+ reactor... which offers technology advancements that make it attractive." Entergy said the suspension of its application was "not a criticism of that design." GE-Hitachi told World Nuclear News via email: "While we are disappointed, we understand Entergy's needs to make decisions that balance the requirements imposed by its state regulators and the needs of its customers and shareholders. We will continue to work with Entergy and other US and global customers to further the advancement of GEH's ABWR and ESBWR technologies in the nuclear industry."

<more>