News brief

ACTIVITIES / NUCLEAR POWER

January 07, 2009

AREVA submits a license application to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials for authorization to construct and operate the Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility.

The submission marks a major milestone in the development of AREVA’s state-of-the-art enrichment facility. Eagle Rock is a multi-billion dollar investment by AREVA that will create hundreds of jobs during the construction and operations phases. The facility will enrich uranium for nuclear power plants using a centrifuge process proven safe and effective over the past three decades.

"The submission of the license application marks a significant step forward in the development of AREVA’s Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility and again demonstrates our commitment to the revival of America’s nuclear energy infrastructure," said Jacques Besnainou, President of AREVA Inc.

"We will continue working with the NRC, the people of Idaho, and other stakeholders to realize this world class facility that will play an important role in helping fuel America’s existing and future carbon-free nuclear generating stations," said Sam Shakir, President of AREVA Enrichment Services.

AREVA will continue to complete detailed design work for the Eagle Rock facility and work with the NRC as it reviews the license application. If approved by the authority, construction could begin in 2011 at the Eagle Rock site located 18 miles west of Idaho Falls, Idaho.