NUCLEAR INDUSTRY BRIEFS

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources

Russia Positions for Egyptian Plant

Under a new agreement, Egypt has confirmed that Russia may bid in an international tender for a $1.8 billion nuclear reactor project that will be located on Egypt's coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt plans to build a three more nuclear plants with a combined capacity of 1,800 megawatts (MW). Russia is currently working on Iran's Bushehr reactor and has signed a contract with Bulgaria to provide a nuclear power plant. The Egyptian prospect is seen as part of a strategic move to gain position in the Middle East through power plant and arms sales.

Bidding Open for Turkey's 4,000 MW Project

Turkey is expecting to asses bids for its first 4,000 MW nuclear plant by October of this year. Bidding from foreign companies and joint ventures is open until September 24, 2008. Turkey plans to build three nuclear plants with a combined capacity of 5,000 MW by 2016 at a cost of $7 billion-$8 billion. Under a law passed in November 2007, plant builders will be held legally responsible for transporting radioactive materials and waste, as well as for any accidents caused by negligence.

Indian Majors Join for Nuclear Power Expansion

Bharat Heavy Electrical (BHEL), India's state-owned power equipment manufacturer, is planning to invest $1.25 billion in planned joint venture companies with power utility National Thermal Power Company and Nuclear Power Corporation of India. NPCIL has the sole mandate to set up nuclear plants in India and currently generates about 3,900 MW from 16 power plants and is planning to expand to 10,000 MW by 2014. BHEL has supplied almost 80% of the nuclear power equipment currently used in India. The partners are looking for an international technology partner

Romania Tenders for $3.2 Billion Units

Romania is planning to build two nuclear power units to be in operation by 2014-15 and has issued an international tender for the $3.2 billion project. Currently, the Cernavoda nuclear plant supplies about 17% of the country's power requirement. State-owned nuclear operator Nuclearelectrica has launched a joint venture with Arcelor-Mittal, CEZ, Electrabel, Enel, Iberdrola and RWE with each partner taking 10% to 15% of the project.

Aussies Going Critical in Ukraine Uranium Development

Western Australia's Uran Limited plans to evaluate and develop two uranium fields in Ukraine. If the project goes ahead, it will be the first foreign development of the country's uranium reserves apart from Russian programs started in the Soviet era. A local uranium enrichment plant, the VostrGOK mill in eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, will partner the Australians in the development program. Uran is also looking at other uranium-related business in Ukraine. Ukraine generates about 50% of its power from nuclear plants and is looking for alternatives to its dependence on Russia for final enrichment of nuclear fuel.

AREVA Tucks in $2 Billion Japan Deals

France's nuclear chain company AREVA has finalized several major contracts with Japanese utilities. The $2 billion worth of deals cover services in the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle such as uranium supplies, conversion and enrichment. Most of the contract span periods of up to 15 years. In 2007 AREVA had revenues of $850 million in Japan where it employs 140 people.

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