D.O.E. and Tennessee Valley Authority Increase Cooperation on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Data

WASHINGTON, DC - The D.O.E. (DOE) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) this week agreed to collaborate on developing and exchanging information on advanced fuel cycle technologies through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by D.O.E. Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dennis Spurgeon and TVA Chief Operating Officer William McCollum. This joint effort furthers DOE's ongoing nuclear research and development activities and along with other analyses and studies from nuclear industry, universities and DOE's countrywide labs will help to determine the best path forward for the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP).

"We look forward to gaining valuable knowledge and experience in working with TVA to advance the goals of GNEP and expand clean, safe nuclear power," Dennis Spurgeon, DOE's Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy said. "The information provided and utility perspective offered from this partnership will be vital in departmental decisions on GNEP and closing the nuclear fuel cycle in the United States."

This MOU establishes the overall framework for the exchange of information and conduct of activities between the 2 organizations. Future work associated with this MOU, which would be detailed in an Interagency Arrangement to be developed subsequent to the MOU, would be focused on providing supporting data and information to help inform D.O.E. on advanced fuel cycle technology development concepts and include conceptual plans, utility perspectives, suitable business models and additional research and development needed for the advancement of nuclear technology.

"TVA is in a unique position to look for ways to enhance how used nuclear fuel could be managed," said TVA Chief Operating Officer William McCollum. "We look forward to working with D.O.E. to determine the best path forward."

TVA currently operates 6 nuclear reactors as part of its power system, which serves approximately 8.8 million consumers in 7 southeastern states. TVA recently restarted a nuclear unit at its Browns Ferry plant, has submitted a Combined License application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for 2 advanced reactor design nuclear units at its Bellefonte location and has resumed efforts to complete a 2nd nuclear unit at its Watts Bar plant. TVA is the nation's biggest public power provider and is completely self-financing. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

GNEP was announced by President Bush in February 2006 and includes key nuclear research and technology development programs as well as international policy collaboration. Currently, 21 partner nations have joined the effort to globally expand nuclear power and help meet growing energy demand in a safe and secure manner, while at the same time reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation and responsibly managing spent nuclear fuel.

For more information on this MOU, GNEP and other nuclear energy programs visit the Office of Nuclear Energy.

There are currently no comments for this story. Be the first to add a comment!
Click here to add a comment about this story.