Power uprate study approved for Cook Nuclear

BRIDGMAN, MICHIGAN - The Shaw Group Inc. announced it has been awarded a contract for a feasibility study by American Electric Power (AEP) to support the first phase of a potential two-unit power uprate at the Cook Nuclear Plant near Bridgman, Michigan.

Shaw will perform the study to define the feasibility, scope of work and estimated cost to uprate the 2,155-megawatt (MW) plant, providing an anticipated 400-MW increase of electricity. Shaw also will gather, analyze and format plant data for inclusion in the licensing amendment report that will be submitted to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for review and approval.

The award also includes a contractual framework to commence negotiations for the engineering, procurement and construction work to be performed during subsequent phases of the project.

“Nuclear plant uprates represent a significant and expanding business for Shaw and a cost-effective way for utilities to meet future electricity demands,” said Fred Buckman, president of Shaw’s Power Group. “Shaw is proud to partner with AEP during the first phase of this project and looks forward to demonstrating our technology and expertise throughout additional phases of the project.”

An established leader in power uprate services, Shaw has performed more than 60 uprate studies and projects, which have added more than 3,000 MW to the US power grid. Shaw provides system-wide maintenance and modification services to approximately 35 percent of U.S. nuclear units, including the countryÂ’s two largest nuclear fleets.