Fugro has been awarded a comprehensive site investigation campaign by Enercon Services Inc. (ENERCON) to detail the geologic, geophysical and geotechnical conditions for Holtec International’s planned construction of twin SMR-300 small modular reactors (SMRs) at its existing 800-megawatt Palisades Nuclear Power Plant site in Covert, Michigan.
As the US faces increasing electricity demand, next-generation nuclear power is emerging as a promising carbon-free energy source. However, lengthy and complex permitting processes present a challenge, making it crucial for project developers like Holtec to engage expert partners to advance permitting. ENERCON, a leader in providing engineering services to the U.S. nuclear power industry, is partnering with Holtec to support development of the extensive Construction Permit Application (CPA) for the SMR project. Fugro is playing a key role in this effort. Leveraging its extensive nuclear licensing expertise and geo-risk management capabilities, Fugro is leading the development of Preliminary Safety Analysis Reports 2.5.4 and 2.5.5 for the CPA, in accordance with Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50, for submission to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC).
'ENERCON is excited to partner with Fugro in support of geotechnical investigation for the siting of two Holtec SMR-300 units at the existing Palisades Nuclear Plant site. The Holtec SMR-300 design is one of the first SMRs in the United States that is undergoing site investigation,' said Jay Basken, Engineering Vice President, Enercon Services Inc.
'This is an exceptional opportunity to team up with ENERCON on a groundbreaking project that aims to integrate a soon-to-be restarted nuclear power plant with SMRs, collectively providing 1,400 megawatts of energy.' said Dr. Osman El Menchawi, Fugro’s North America Director for Consulting and Site Screening. 'We’re here to support that kind of large-scale innovation from companies like Holtec, advancing efficient, clean energy production in the US.'
Source: Fugro
