As on June 10, 2009 announcement in Washington, billed as a major commercial nuclear power product announcement, will include officials from B&W, along with executives from Exelon Corporation and Tennessee Valley Authority.
Officials with B&W could not be reached immediately for comment.
Nuclear power generates around 20% of US electricity.
The global recession and tight credit markets have made some predictions for a nuclear renaissance given current cost estimates ranging from $5 billion to $12 billion for a commercial-scale reactors which can produce 1,100 MW to 1,600 MW.
The smaller-scale reactor design could be cheaper and offer more flexibility for utilities than larger reactors, sources said. The smaller reactors could be built to meet slower power growth or used in multiples to satisfy faster demand growth.
Receiving a new design qualified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission would take several years.
The utilities have filed 18 applications with NRC to construct as many as 28 new reactors, but NRC is not expected to issue a construction license until 2011.
