Nuclear uprate applications increase as utilities wait for new build approval

By Dean Murphy on May 25, 2010

Nuclear Energy Insider can report that applications for nuclear power uprate projects are on the increase. For the nuclear industry, these projects are possibly the largest projects that will take place other than new build. Due to the increase of uprate applications to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, it has been reported that the uprate market is worth in the region of $25 billion in the USA alone.

Industrial Info Resources reported in May 2010 that, “utilities are increasing the number of applications to uprate their power plants to increase generation output while awaiting approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Washington, D.C.) for additional nuclear reactor construction”. They have also gone on to say that they are currently tracking 18 power uprate projects which have a combined total investment value of more than $3.9 billion.

Nuclear Energy Insider spoke to Brian Newell, Manager for Major Projects at leading US utility Entergy about the scale of an uprate task and the difficulties that are faced. Brian explained, “Extended Power Uprates are probably the largest projects undertaken with the exception of new plants. They have additional restrictions over new plant projects though – they have to be completed during outages, and they have to work right the first time.”

Brian Newell will be attending a meeting on June 21-22 in Washington DC, USA on behalf of Entergy to discuss power uprate challenges. Brian will be joining other leading representatives from utilities and contractors including Exelon, Progress Energy, TVA, AEP and PSEG. More information about the meeting can be found at http://www.nuclearenergyinsider.com/uprate

The meeting will address many challenges that are faced whilst performing uprates at power plants and will include information regarding

  • Accident and safety analysis and its effect on margin
  • Analysing uprates and understanding the risks
  • The inside track on regulatory legislation
  • Preparing for your uprate projects
  • Learning from project experience from Hope Creek, Crystal River and CFE Laguna Verde
  • Project management and procurement

For more information regarding this press release, please contact:

 

Dean Murphy

Senior Industry Analyst

Nuclear Energy Insider

Phone: 1800.814.3459 ext 7204