EPRTM: AREVA and Horizon Nuclear Power sign Early Work Agreement in the United Kingdom

AREVA has signed an Early Work Agreement with Horizon Nuclear Power, jointventure between E.ON and RWE, for site specific design studies on its EPRTM reactor which the two German utilities are considering for construction in the United Kingdom.

Under the agreement, AREVA will undertake studies to support the deployment of two EPRTM reactors on Horizon's Wylfa site on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales.

Horizon Nuclear Power is also considering the EPRTM for construction on its site at Oldbury (Gloucestershire).

In support of this early works activity, AREVA has also opened a project office in Gloucester, where Horizon Nuclear Power is Headquartered.

The group's reactor is currently undergoing the Generic Design Assessment in the UK, a precertification process scheduled for completion in the summer of 2011.

Jean-Jacques Gautrot, AREVA's UK Country President, said: "We are delighted that Horizon has awarded us this early work agreement which will further support our plans for a fleet of EPRTM reactors in the UK. To back this objective, we have identified more than 60 British companies as potential suppliers of engineering equipment and services following an intensive yearlong selection process."