Friday, September 05, 2008
Constellation Energy Discusses Calvert Cliffs Unit 3 Project
Constellation Energy and UniStar Nuclear Energy representatives met with the Maryland Chamber to discuss the Calvert Cliffs Unit 3 Project, a potential new nuclear power plant in Calvert County that may be built to meet Maryland’s increasing energy demands.
Construction of the new plant, which would be adjacent to Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Units 1 and 2, is under consideration by UniStar Nuclear Energy, a joint venture between Constellation Energy and the Electricite de France group. The reactor would be a U.S. Evolutionary Power Reactor, designed to put safety as the highest priority with features such as double containment of the reactor building and both military and commercial airplane crash protection. The reactor, which is also the most economically competitive of proposed reactor designs, would be the first new reactor built in more than 30 years in the United States.
Among the benefits outlined that would be provided by the potential plant were the plant’s reliability, environmental and economical benefits, and safety. If constructed, Calvert Cliffs 3 would deliver reliable, clean energy to the Mid-Atlantic region and would address the expected increase in demand for electricity in coming years. Construction and operation of the plant is expected to create jobs and increase revenues, promoting economic growth locally, as well as in the state and region. The new plant would also maintain the high levels of safety to protect employees and residents in the region with enhanced security features and structural safety designs.
A decision to build the plant has not yet been reached, however the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing application has been filed and other state and federal permits and license applications are pending.
For more information on Calvert Cliffs 3 or Maryland Chamber issues relating to energy and the environment, contact Allyson Black, Vice President of Government Affairs, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Additional information on Calvert Cliffs 3 is available at online here.
