The Shaw Group has won a contract to provide plant life-cycle management services to extend the operating life of the Cook nuclear power plant for an additional 20 years.
The US-firm was awarded the contract by the plant’s operator Indiana Michigan Power Company, an affiliate of American Electric Power (AEP) in the second quarter of 2011. Shaw had previously carried out a feasibility study on the potential for upgrades and modifications to the Cook plant.
Under the contract, the value of which has not been disclosed, Shaw will provide engineering, procurement and construction services on approved projects designed to extend the life cycle of major components to ensure continuous operation of the plant for 20 more years.
Both units at the Cook nuclear power plant had their operating licenses renewed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2005. Unit 1 (1009 MWe) is licensed to operate until 2034 and unit 2 (1060 MWe) until 2037.
“While many U.S. utilities are contemplating ordering new nuclear power plants, life extension modifications to the existing operating fleet will remain a robust business opportunity,” said Clarence Ray, chief executive officer of Shaw’s Power Group.
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