The incredible shrinking EPR program in the U.S.
With delays and retreats abounding, the U.S. EPR program continues to diminish. Only two of the original seven remain fully active and even these are experiencing challenges and setbacks.
Here is the current status of what was once a promised seven EPR reactors for six U.S. sites:
Calvert Cliffs (MD). One EPR unit. The NRC is currently proceeding through the licensing process. Calvert Cliffs is the "reference" EPR before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board
Note: The NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board has admitted two public contentions for a hearing; 1) the proposed EdF ownership of 49.9% in UniStar violates the United States Atomic Energy Act probition on foreign ownership; 2) the UniStar application lacks an approved low-level radioactive waste storage and management plan. Additionally, the loan guarantee process is going badly with the squabble between DOE & OMB already raising the spectre of delay.
Nine Mile Point 3 (NY). One EPR unit. The NRC review of the UniStar application is partially suspended until at least September 2010.
Callaway (MO). One EPR unit. The NRC indefinitely suspended its review of the AmerenEU application on June 23, 2009
Amarillo (TX). Two EPR units. Amarillo Power / UniStar has delayed the submission of a Combined Operating License Application to the NRC. No date of application submission has been formally offered to NRC.
Hammet (ID). One EPR unit. Alternate Energy Holdings ( which has no electricity generation assets) has delayed the submission of a Combined Operating License Application to the NRC. No date of application submission has been formally offered to NRC.
http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/new-reactors/new-licensing-files/expected-new-rx-applications.pdf
Article originally appeared on Beyond Nuclear (https://archive.beyondnuclear.org/).
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