"Galaxy" can support data needs for UniStar's new nuclear plants for
60-plus years
BALTIMORE, April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- UniStar Nuclear Energy (UNE)
announced today that it is partnering with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) to develop
an advanced information technology (IT) platform capable of supporting the
lifelong data needs of a potential new fleet of nuclear power plants.
UNE is a strategic joint venture between Constellation Energy (NYSE:
CEG) and EDF Group, Europe's largest electric energy producer. UNE has
proposed building at least four 1,600 megawatt U.S. Evolutionary Power
Reactors (U.S. EPR), an advanced design known for its robust safety
features. Accenture, a leading consulting, technology services and
outsourcing company, will jointly design, build and operate the new IT
platform, named "Galaxy," with UNE.
UNE and Accenture believe Galaxy will transform how future nuclear
power plants create, modify, share and store information during all phases
of their 60-year plus lifecycle, from licensing to decommissioning. In
addition, Galaxy will enable nuclear plant partners, suppliers and
customers to more efficiently meet and accelerate project work schedules
and budgets while improving performance through cycle time reductions.
"Galaxy will be a valuable tool -- and a required asset -- that will
help future nuclear plants operate more efficiently," said George
Vanderheyden, UNE president and chief executive officer. "It will speed the
flow of information that nuclear plant owners need during plant, licensing,
design, construction, operation and maintenance."
He added that in order for new nuclear to be successful, worldwide
equipment venders and U.S. EPR owners must be able to share information
24/7.
"Our partnership with UNE demonstrates Accenture's commitment to the
nuclear power industry," added Daniel P. Krueger, managing director of
Accenture's Power Generation practice. "Galaxy will help UNE perform at an
even higher level by mitigating risks related to new plant cost, schedule
and operation. Supporting nuclear plant licensing, design, construction and
operations reinforces Accenture's position at the heart of the power
generation industry."
Galaxy, which will be delivered in phases over the next several years,
will enable nuclear plants to better track and store important data, such
as a complete inventory of all plant equipment, warranties on plant systems
and a history of all plant modifications. The initial phase of Galaxy will
be delivered in the coming months and will be focused on the design of the
U.S. EPR.
UNE is working to be in a position to make a decision in late 2008
regarding its first potential U.S. EPR, which is proposed for Constellation
Energy's Calvert Cliffs site in southern Maryland. UNE is also considering
potential projects in New York, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Idaho and Texas.
Two EPRs are under construction in Europe and the reactor design was
sanctioned by two different nuclear regulatory commissions. China is also
planning to build two EPRs.
About UNE
UNE is a strategic joint venture between Constellation Energy, the
nation's largest competitive supplier of electricity to large commercial
and industrial customers, and EDF Group, Europe's the top electricity
producer. UNE is partnering with AREVA, the leading nuclear vendor in
America, to build at least four standardized U.S. Evolutionary Power
Reactors (EPR). The EPR is the safest, most secure nuclear plant technology
and is the foundation of the UNE business model.
UNE and EDF are powering the nuclear renaissance in North America
through industry leadership, disciplined business practices and effective
risk-management. Based in Baltimore, UNE provides the licensing,
construction and operating services needed to support the expansion of
clean, safe and sustainable U.S. nuclear energy.
About Constellation
Constellation Energy (http://www.constellation.com), a FORTUNE 125
company with 2007 revenues of $21 billion, is the nation's largest
competitive supplier of electricity to large commercial and industrial
customers and the nation's largest wholesale power seller. Constellation
Energy also manages fuels and energy services on behalf of energy intensive
industries and utilities. It owns a diversified fleet of 78 generating
units located throughout the United States, totaling approximately 8,700
megawatts of generating capacity. The company delivers electricity and
natural gas through the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), its
regulated utility in Central Maryland.
About EDF Group
An energy market leader in Europe, the EDF Group is an integrated
energy company operating in all branches of the industry: generation,
transmission, distribution, and the trading and sale of energy. The top
electricity producer in Europe, the Group has predominantly nuclear and
hydroelectric power plants in France, supplying electricity that is 95
percent CO2-free. Its transmission and distribution subsidiaries operate
1,246,000 km of medium and low voltage overhead and underground electricity
lines and around 100,000 km of high and very high voltage networks. The
Group is involved in the supply of energy and services to over 38 million
customers worldwide with more than 28 million of them in France. The
Group's consolidated sales stood at euros 58.9 Billion in 2006 of which 42
percent was in Europe excluding France. EDF, which is listed on the Paris
Bourse, is a member of the CAC 40 index.
About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and
outsourcing company. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive
capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive
research on the world's most successful companies, Accenture collaborates
with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and
governments. With 178,000 people in 49 countries, the company generated net
revenues of US$19.70 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007. Its
home page is http://www.accenture.com.
SOURCE UniStar Nuclear Energy
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Related links:
http://www.constellation.com
http://www.accenture.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/084087.html /
CONTACT:
Maureen Brown or Tim Christmann, both of
UniStar Nuclear Energy, +1-410-470-7433
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