GE Hitachi (News - Alert) Nuclear Energy announced that it has signed an agreement with EnergyLab Foundation for supporting Italy’s programs on safe nuclear energy.

 

This is expected to cater to the country’s need for energy security and clean energy.

 

The agreement will help GEH to work with EnergyLab to find new opportunities for nuclear power plants based on GEH’s ABWR and ESBWR designs.

 

EnergyLab is a nonprofit organization in Milan. It collaborates with energy companies in Italy, universities and local governments to meet the country’s energy needs and face environmental challenges.

 

The Italian government aims to reduce dependence on imported energy and also be environmentally friendly. It announced plans to end the ban on domestic nuclear energy production and also build 10 new nuclear power stations in 2008. Nuclear energy is preferred the world over as it produces electricity with zero carbon emissions.

 

“To deliver on EnergyLab’s mission, we aim to disseminate as widely as possible knowledge regarding advanced nuclear technologies,” said Silvio Bosetti, general manager for EnergyLab Foundation. “We think that our collaboration with GEH will support this mission, widening access for our country to a well-experienced nuclear technology, and this will help start the nation’s new nuclear energy program.”

 

GEH a global nuclear energy alliance of GE and Hitachi provides advanced reactor technology and nuclear plant services. It participated in Italy’s domestic nuclear energy program on behalf of Enel which includes an 860-MW, second-generation BWR nuclear power plant.

 

“We look forward to collaborating with EnergyLab to help ensure that Italy’s government and energy sector understand how our ABWR and ESBWR technologies can help address the country’s pressing economic and environmental priorities,” said Danny Roderick, a GEH senior vice president.

 

GEH has many nuclear supply chain affiliates in Europe and it has the potential to use GE’s Milan-based energy services group optimally with the experienced workforce and manufacturing facilities of GE Oil & Gas, said company sources.

 

Roderick added that for Italy and other countries which are desirous of building new nuclear power plants it is important to leverage the services of companies with experienced global and regional supply chains. This is imperative for completing reactor projects on schedule and on budget, he pointed out.

 

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) is a provider of advanced reactors and nuclear services. GEH is a global nuclear alliance created by GE and Hitachi to serve the global nuclear industry. The nuclear alliance offers global customers the technological leadership required to effectively enhance reactor performance, power output and safety.