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9 March 2007 -- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) voted to approve an early site permit for Exelon Generation Company, LLC for the possible construction of a nuclear power plant in Illinois. Exelon is now waiting for the NRC staff to issue the permit, which must occur within 10 days of the commission's vote. If granted, Exelon would be the first company to receive an early site permit under a new licensing process.
The permit resolves issues with the possible construction and operation of a new nuclear plant next to the Clinton Power Station in Clinton, Ill. Exelon has not decided to move forward with building a new nuclear plant.
"This is the last major hurdle in the process. We are very pleased with how the early site permit process has progressed," said Marilyn Kray, Exelon Nuclear Vice President of Project Manager, who has led this effort for the company since it began in 2002.
The 20-year permit allows Exelon to keeps a site available for a possible power plant; however, it does not authorize construction of a new plant. Should the company decide to build a power plant, it would need to apply for a combined operating license.
"Certain conditions would have to fall into place before Exelon would consider building a plant: a workable solution to the spent fuel disposal problem; community acceptance; the right reactor technology; and the economics must be favorable," Kray said.
Exelon Generation was the first company to submit an application for an early site permit.
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