Northrop Grumman, Areva to build US nuclear parts plant

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2008

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US defense group Northrop Grumman and French nuclear giant Areva said Thursday they have teamed up to manufacture nuclear reactor components in the United States to supply rising demand.

The joint venture, Areva Newport News, with Areva as the majority owner, was forged to build a manufacturing and engineering facility that will make heavy components for Areva's third-generation US Evolutionary Power Reactor (EPR), the two companies said in a statement.

They said the new facility, to be built in Newport News, Virginia, would "supply the growing American nuclear energy sector."

The announcement comes as US President George W. Bush's administration is promoting a resurgence in nuclear power to counter the country's dependence on foreign oil...