UniStar Nuclear Operating Services LLC and Calvert Cliffs 3 Nuclear Project LLC cannot build a third unit at the Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in Maryland, judges from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) ruled on August 30. The judges said the applicants cannot receive a combined license to  build and construct an Areva EPR at Calvert Cliffs since the applicants are owned by U.S. corporation that is 100 percent owned by a foreign corporation.

“A license cannot be issued in this proceeding until the ownership issue is properly corrected,” the judges wrote in the 29-page decision.

When UniStar originally applied for the COL, Electricite de France (EDF) and Constellation Energy Group were 50/50 partners in UniStar and the Calvert Cliffs 3 project. In November 2010, Constellation sold its 50 percent interest in UniStar to EDF, making EDF the sole owner of UniStar. EDF now has 60 days to find a U.S. partner before the ASLB considers the proceeding concluded.

“As no contentions remain pending, the Board will terminate this proceeding 60 days after the issuance of this order unless, within that time, Applicants provide information to show that they have changed their ownership situation so as to satisfy foreign ownership, control, and domination requirements,” the judges wrote.

Constellation Energy Nuclear Group, a joint venture between Exelon Corp. (NYSE: EXC) and EDF, owns 100 percent of the two-unit, 1,750 MW Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant.

To read the ASLB decision, click here.
 
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