Platts - Monday, April 26, 2004

http://www.platts.com

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Holtec develops underground spent fuel storage system

Washington (Platts)--26Apr2004 Holtec International will
meet with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Wednesday
to discuss a new underground dry cask storage system
designed to provide added security for spent fuel. The
company will ask NRC to license the proprietary design
in which loaded canisters would be placed in metal-lined
cavities in a large concrete block. Only 2 feet of the
system would be above ground, and the casks would be
passively air-cooled. Holtec President/CEO Kris Singh
said he will ask NRC to "fast-track" its review. Holtec
is also awaiting a patent on the design.

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Summer's license renewed for additional 20 years

Washington (Platts)--23Apr2004 NRC renewed Summer's
operating license for an additional 20 years, until Aug.
6, 2022. South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. submitted its
license renewal application for the 1,005-MW PWR Aug. 6,
2002. Summer is the 25th U.S. unit to have its license
renewed.

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Fortum nuclear production up

Stockholm (Platts)--22Apr2004 Fortum's nuclear
production increased to 7 terawatt-hours in first
quarter 2004, from 6.7 TWH a year ago, the Finnish
utility said today in releasing earnings figures.
Operating profit for the Electricity, Heat & Gas
division increased to 335-million euros (U.S.$397-
million) in first quarter 2004, from Eur 291-million for
the same period a year ago. Sales were down to Eur 890-
million, versus Eur 1.2-billion in first quarter 2003.
The company said lower electricity prices were partly
behind the decrease. Fortum's overall operating profit
increased 18%, to Eur 562-million in first quarter 2004.
Sales fell to Eur 2.8-billion from Eur 3.6-billion in
first quarter 2003.

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