ROSWELL, N.M.  – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today issued the following statement about news that AREVA and Northrup Grumman will build a new manufacturing and engineering facility in Newport News, VA, to construct heavy components for nuclear reactors.

 

            “Today is a great day for the future of nuclear energy in America—and a great day for the American economy.  Two major companies are joining forces to construct a $360 million facility that will supply much-needed components to nuclear power plants and begins the process of reconstituting our domestic nuclear labor infrastructure.  The facility will employ over 500 people.

 

            “The fact that these companies are willing to make such a large investment at this time is further evidence that the nuclear renaissance in the United States is real.   This announcement is particularly significant because we will now be manufacturing parts in America that we previously have had to import from overseas.

 

“Since July 2007, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has received a total of 17 separate applications for 26 new reactor units, with several more expected.   The Department of Energy has received loan guarantee applications worth $122 billion for nuclear power, which demonstrates just how strong an interest there is in nuclear energy in the United States.

 

“If America intends to seriously confront the challenge of meeting increasing energy demands while reducing carbon emissions, it is clear that nuclear power must be a major part of the solution.”

 

            The facility in Newport News will manufacture heavy components for AREVA’s U.S. Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR).  AREVA has submitted applications to build at least four such units in the United States.   The new nuclear manufacturing facility will take advantage of Northrup Grumman Shipbuilding’s infrastructure, location and experience.

 

           

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