UniStar Nuclear Energy (UNE), a strategic joint venture between premiere U.S nuclear fleet operator Constellation Energy and the EDF Group, the global leader in nuclear power, has proposed building an advanced-design, nuclear power plant adjacent to Constellation Energy's existing Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station in upstate New York. The proposed new plant would generate approximately net 1,600 megawatts of electricity without producing the greenhouse gases now associated with global warming and would help to address a projected shortage of electricity in the Central New York region.

Technology of Choice
UNE's technology of choice is AREVA’s U.S. Evolutionary Power Reactor (U.S. EPR). The U.S. EPR features robust, independent and redundant safety systems and is an advanced version of proven technology that began in the United States and has evolved and been operating safely in the U.S. and Europe for many years.

Economic Benefits
New York officials have been extremely supportive of the proposed 1,600 megawatt reactor, a carbon-free generation plant that would help address a projected shortage of electricity in New York, create several thousand construction jobs and add more than 350 permanent jobs.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Application Process
UNE submitted a letter to the U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Feb. 8, 2007, formally selecting a site adjacent to Constellation Energy's Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station as the site for a potential U.S. EPR.  Any decision on where construction might take place will be based upon many factors.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulates New Commercial Nuclear Power Facilities
NRC regulates the construction and operation of new commercial nuclear power facilities. The NRC is responsible for issuing standard design certifications, early site permits, construction permits, operating licenses, and combined licenses for commercial nuclear power facilities.

 - U.S. NRC New Reactor Oversight Process
 - U.S. NRC Licensing Process Brochure
 - U.S. NRC and How It Works Brochure
 - U.S. NRC Citizens Guide to NRC Information 

NRC regulates reactor siting, construction, and operation through a combination of regulatory requirements, licensing, and oversight, including inspection. NRC considers the current regulatory infrastructure adequate to support new licensing. However, NRC is making minor revisions to the infrastructure to make new licensing reviews more effective and efficient and to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden on future applicants. See the following for more information about new reactor licensing: