[ RadSafe ] First Order for Pressure Vessel Parts Since 1970s

[Ruth Sponsler]

Normally, I don't send news items to Radsafe. 
However, this is the first time in almost 30 years
that the parts to make the pressure vessel for a
nuclear reactor have been ordered in the U.S. The
design is the EPR design that is under construction in
Finland.

[QUOTE] WASHINGTON, Aug. 3 — A partnership established
to build nuclear reactors has ordered the heavy steel
parts needed to make a reactor vessel, as well as
other crucial components, apparently the first
hardware order for a plant since the 1970’s. 

The order, which an executive of the partnership said
was worth “tens of millions of dollars,” was a major
step toward actual construction after several years of
speculation about a nuclear renaissance. 
..

The vessel and the related parts that produce steam
for making electricity would cost $200 million or so;
the whole plant could top $2 billion. The price of the
forgings is already in Constellation Energy’s capital
plans, a spokesman said. In a news release, UniStar
said that the order “sets the stage for more
substantial financial commitments, which could be made
in the coming years.”[UNQUOTE]

see story for more details

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/04/business/worldbusiness/04nuke.html?_r=1&oref=slogin


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