Overland Park, Kan. (June 20, 2008) –Black & Veatch, a leading global
engineering, consulting and construction company, is assisting Detroit Edison,
Michigan’s largest electric utility, with evaluations and technical studies for
a potential new advanced design nuclear unit in southeastern Michigan.
Black & Veatch’s specialized support includes safety analyses, system
descriptions, environmental impact and many other technical and operational
studies that support Detroit Edison in preparing and submitting an application
for a combined construction and operating license.
“Black & Veatch is supplementing a special Detroit Edison Nuclear team
that is evaluating the value and benefits of nuclear plant development for our
customers,” said DTE Chairman and CEO Anthony F. Earley Jr. “In addition to
energy efficiency and renewable sources, we are looking at nuclear energy as a
means to meet our customers’ long-term energy needs, improve fuel diversity and
fuel security, all while providing a reliable, affordable, safe and clean
source of energy.”
“However,” Earley said, “before we can commit to building a new plant, the
Michigan Legislature must make changes to the state’s current regulatory
structure. A package of bills that would make some of the necessary changes is
pending, and we urge the Legislature to adopt those measures so that we move
forward with this investment in Michigan’s long-term energy future.”
Detroit Edison expects to have the license document ready to submit to the
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in September 2008. The NRC review and
approval process is expected to take three to four years after receipt of the
application.
“Black & Veatch is actively working with clients, such as Detroit
Edison, and equipment manufacturers to implement the next generation of
sustainable nuclear technology,” said Steve Rus, Senior Vice President and
Director of Black & Veatch’s nuclear business. “Nuclear energy can help
meet future energy demand in a safe and carbon-free manner, providing customers
with a reliable and consistent fuel choice.”
About Detroit Edison
Detroit Edison is an investor-owned electric utility serving 2.2 million
customers in southeastern Michigan, and a subsidiary of DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE),
a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and
management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Information
about DTE Energy is available at www.dteenergy.com.
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting and construction
company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water,
telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental markets.
Founded in 1915, Black & Veatch develops tailored infrastructure solutions
that meet clients’ needs and provide sustainable benefits. Solutions are
provided from the broad line of service expertise available within Black &
Veatch, including conceptual and preliminary engineering services, engineering
design, procurement, construction, financial management, asset management,
program management, construction management, environmental, security design and
consulting, management consulting and infrastructure planning. With $3.2
billion in revenue, the employee-owned company has more than 100 offices
worldwide and has completed projects in more than 100 countries on six
continents. The company’s Web site address is www.bv.com.
Media Contact:
George Minter
913-458-8001
minterga@bv.com
24-hour Media Line:
1-866-496-9149
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