NuHub, State of South Carolina Announce Exclusive Partnership with Holtec International to Compete for Up To $226M Department of Energy Award

COLUMBIA, S.C., March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- NuHub and the State of South Carolina are pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with Holtec International, Inc., a diversified energy technology company supplying equipment and systems for the nuclear, solar, geothermal and fossil power generation sectors of the energy industry, to compete for the second round federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for small modular reactor (SMR) development.  Building off the cost-share agreement announced in November 2012, this follow-on award is focused on SMR innovation, design and licensing.  The program, announced last week, will award up to $226 million to at least one vendor.  Winning the award would support the development, licensing, construction, commissioning and operation of Holtec's flagship reactor, named SMR-160, at the Savannah River Site (SRS) by the 2025 target date.

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"We have a tremendous opportunity to be a global leader in nuclear technology by developing the nation's first small modular reactors," said South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. "Holtec International is a highly competitive firm in SMR technology, and we are excited to partner with them."

Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt agreed, noting "The nuclear industry has a robust history in South Carolina, due in part to partnerships that span local, regional and state and federal boundaries. Our statewide team approach to attracting business investment and jobs will serve a strong company like Holtec International well, and strategically position South Carolina to continue to lead the advanced manufacturing renaissance in a number of sectors including the nuclear industry."

NuHub was launched in October 2010 by EngenuitySC and has been pursuing this technology for nearly two years now.  With a strong team including South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCE&G), the Southern Carolina Alliance Region, the Aiken Edgefield Economic Development Partnership, Central SC Alliance, and other partners around the state, NuHub feels well positioned to finally bring this technology home to South Carolina.

"SCE&G is pleased to be a part of the NuHub team that is seeking to bring this innovative technology to South Carolina," said Steve Byrne, Co-Chair of NuHub and Chief Operating Officer and President of Generation and Transmission for SCE&G. "SCE&G has a long-standing relationship with Holtec at our current nuclear plant, V.C. Summer, and we hope to bring our new nuclear construction expertise to the table to support the development of the project."

"We are gratified by the breadth and depth of support for our SMR-160 program being provided by South Carolina, which is our nation's third largest host of commercial nuclear power and only one of two states presently building nuclear reactors," remarked Dr. Kris Singh, President and CEO of Holtec International.  "With the hope for DOE funding and engagement serving as the catalyst, we are committed  to partnering with the State, NuHub, and its affiliated organizations to build the first SMR-160 at Savannah River. We will reciprocate the State's faith and confidence in our technology by directing our industrial development focus on the State and by playing a major role in building it as a center of excellence to insure America's preeminence in the evolving age of small modular reactors."

As a global leader in power generation technologies, Holtec has designed an indigenously developed SMR. Holtec's SMR-160 is a 160 MW pressurized water reactor that has been designed to withstand the most severe natural disasters by relying on gravity under all operating and emergency conditions. Holtec International hails DOE's support for SMR development and NuHub's willingness to support the operation of prototype SMR designs in South Carolina.

NuHub will continue to support Holtec both during and after the DOE application process, with the deadline slated for July 1, 2013.

About NuHub

NuHub, an initiative of EngenuitySC, is a collaborative group of public, private, higher education and workforce development stakeholders working to maximize economic and job creation opportunities for the nuclear industry in the Midstate region of South Carolina, and to establish the Midstate as a hub and global leader for nuclear energy innovation. Please visit www.NuHubSC.com for more information.

About EngenuitySC

Headquartered in Columbia, EngenuitySC is public/private partnership formed to develop and grow the South Carolina Midlands' knowledge-based economy by fostering an environment where entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creation of knowledge are fundamental elements of the region's culture, identity, and economic development strategy. Through collaboration with business, government, and higher education, EngenuitySC leads initiatives that support research development, promote commercialization, and leverage the region's assets. Please visit www.EngenuitySC.com for more information.

About Holtec International, Inc.

Holtec International is a world leader in nuclear technologies with ongoing projects in the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Ukraine, China, Korea, Belgium,Sweden and Switzerland. The Company is carrying out some of the most challenging nuclear projects around the world including the de-fueling of Chernobyl's shuttered reactors. The equipment and systems supplied by Holtec to its worldwide clients are largely based on the Company's own patents and proprietary technologies. The Company is the largest exporter of capital equipment in the US and is recognized as the operator of manufacturing plants in three states with an excellent record of safety. Please visit www.holtecinternational.com for more information.

CONTACT:
Emily Brady
[email protected]
803.233.2452

SOURCE NuHub