GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) and Detroit Edison, a Michigan-based electric utility, have entered into an agreement advancing the potential deployment of a next-generation nuclear reactor design.
The agreement on site preparation work planning is a step forward in the federal license application process as GEH brings to market the ESBWR nuclear reactor to help energy companies meet rising electricity demand with clean-air energy. As part of a balanced and diversified energy portfolio, nuclear power generates electricity with near-zero carbon emissions, GEH claimed.
GEH further claimed that the ESBWR’s features make it an advanced reactor design, including passive safety systems, a further simplified design and and even higher safety margins than the safe fleet of reactors.
GEH believes the ESBWR’s features make it the most advanced reactor design in the world, including passive safety systems, a further simplified design and even higher safety margins than the current safe fleet of operating reactors.
These features were important to Detroit Edison’s decision to name the ESBWR reactor design in its application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a construction and operating license for a proposed power plant on the site of its existing Fermi 2 Power Plant, 35 miles south of Detroit. Detroit Edison is DTE Energy’s electric utility serving southeast Michigan.
Under the agreement, GEH will work with Detroit Edison to plan the initial stages of site development, should the utility decide to proceed with construction of a new plant. The energy company anticipates a decision on proceeding with construction following approvals from local, state and federal authorities.
Ron May, senior vice president of Detroit Edison said: “DTE Energy is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing our customers the best long-term solution for their energy needs. GEH’s ESBWR meets these requirements as the best technical solution for the expected 60-year life of the proposed plant. Nuclear energy is clearly a low-cost fuel source for our customers and provides excellent safety and reliability.”
Construction of an ESBWR could create more than 3,000 temporary construction jobs and up to 700 permanent engineering and other support positions, resulting in an economic ripple effect totaling $500m annually for the Michigan economy.
By submitting the NRC application in 2008, Detroit Edison remains eligible for federal incentives offered under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to a limited number of utilities that place orders for the first new US nuclear reactors.