WASHINGTON, Sep 13, 2006 -- UPI

 

The nuclear energy industry wants Washington to respond to an emerging renewal of atomic generating plants with updated regulations and policies.

The Nuclear Energy Institute said Wednesday in testimony before a congressional panel that as many as 30 nuclear power plants could be built in the United States in the next two decades.

Among areas that need attention are unduly restrictive construction finance rules, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's new-plant licensing process and centralized interim storage of used nuclear fuel pending development of the Yucca Mountain, Nev., repository, said Frank L. "Skip" Bowman, the NEI's president and chief executive officer.

Many existing policies reflect a time when there was no perceived premium on clean power generation, as their is today.

Bowman told lawmakers that his industry is investing well over $1.5 billion in design and engineering work, licensing and procurement of long-lead equipment like reactor pressure vessels and steam generators.

"The first wave of these plants could begin site preparation by the end of 2008, move in to full-scale construction in 2010 when they receive their construction and operating licenses, and be ready for commercial operation in the 2014 to 2015 time frame," Bowman said.

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