GE Energy's Nuclear Business to Supply Hydraulic Control Unit Parts to Exelon's BWR Fleet
WILMINGTON, N.C. - November 10, 2005 - GE Energy's nuclear business has been awarded a multi-year, $17 million contract by Exelon Corp., the largest nuclear generation company in the nation, to supply reactor control components to the utility's fleet of 12 boiling water reactors (BWRs).
Under the contract, GE is supplying critical parts for the hydraulic control units (HCUs) in all twelve of Exelon's BWR units, which are located in Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The HCU moderates reactivity levels by managing the location of control rod blades within the reactor core. The new components, which will contribute to improved system responses and overall performance, are being installed during the utility's standard maintenance cycles for the reactors.
Exelon's Dresden and Quad Cities reactor units in Illinois, and the Peach Bottom nuclear station in Pennsylvania, were the first plants to benefit from the new agreement, which was made retroactive to the parts ordered in the first quarter of 2005.
In 2004, New Jersey-based utility Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) and Exelon agreed to merge. Once that process is complete, PSEG's Hope Creek BWR facility in New Jersey will also benefit from the parts agreement.
Although GE is a longtime nuclear technology vendor for Illinois-based Exelon, the
contract marks GE's first multi-plant, long-term agreement with the utility for parts supplies.
"For the fourth year in a row, the average capacity factor of Exelon's entire reactor fleet exceeded 92 percent, which underscores the company's commitment to excellence on behalf of its customers and shareholders," said Andy White, president and CEO of GE Energy's nuclear business. "GE looks forward to supporting Exelon's work to enhance the performance and safety of its reactors for many years to come."
A large percentage of the HCU equipment will be manufactured at GE Energy's nuclear facility in Wilmington, N.C. GE is the original equipment manufacturer for Exelon's 12 BWRs.
Exelon operates a total of 17 reactors at 10 nuclear power plants, which generate approximately 20 percent of the U.S. nuclear industry's power capacity.
About GE Energy
GE Energy is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy
delivery technology, with 2004 revenues of $17.3 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy provides equipment, service and management solutions across the power generation, distributed power and energy rental industries.
GE Energy's nuclear business, headquartered in Wilmington, N.C., develops advanced light water reactors and provides a wide array of technology-based products and services to help owners of both boiling and pressurized water reactors safely operate their facilities with greater efficiency and output.
