DTE Energy Nuclear Unit License Expands Midwest Power Generation Options

Supported by the experts from Black & Veatch's nuclear power team, DTE Energy has received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to construct and operate a new nuclear unit. Approval of the carbon-free power unit increases DTE's fleet diversity options as new regulatory measures transform the U.S. electricity market. Black & Veatch assisted DTE throughout its license approval process. The NRC approval grants DTE the capability to potentially build a new nuclear unit (Fermi Unit 3) at the existing Fermi Unit 2 nuclear power plant site. It is just the fifth new U.S. reactor to complete NRC's combined license (COL) process. DTE has not committed to building the new plant, but will keep the option open for long-term planning purposes. The existing Fermi 2 plant is a 1,170 megawatt facility serving DTE customers since 1988. Fermi 2 is capable of producing enough electricity to serve a city of about one million people. It is near Newport, Michigan. Black & Veatch support for DTE included safety analyses, system descriptions and environmental impact studies supporting the application of the COL. Most recently, the company assisted DTE during the NRC license review by providing technical and safety analyses. NRC made its decision following a six-year process that reviewed all safety, environmental and technical details of the potential unit. DTE has the option to build the facility as part of its long-term planning for customer energy security. "DTE is well-positioned to deliver safe, reliable power to meet the needs of its customers," said Dean Oskvig, President and CEO of Black & Veatch's energy business. "Nuclear energy is an important part of DTE's balanced energy portfolio. This license approval is key in delivering a potential generation option to meet future electric demand. We congratulate DTE for achieving this milestone." Editor's Notes: For more than 60 years, Black & Veatch has provided nuclear power planning, engineering, procurement and construction services. Black & Veatch is active with the American Nuclear Society, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, Nuclear Energy Institute, Electric Power Research Institute and the Nuclear Industry Assessment Committee. The company has assisted clients with design certification for passive safety technologies, the Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor (ESBWR) and the Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor (APWR).