Scrutiny of Boiling Water Reactors Implemented at Vermont Yankee and Fukushima Won't Dampen Market Value Long Term According to SBI Energy

New York, April 20, 2011Executives from Entergy Corporation filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court Monday after Vermont state officials threatened to shut down operations at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear power plant in Vernon. The complaint comes 4 weeks after the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted the plant a 20-year license renewal that was issued just one day before the earthquake and tsunami damaged four nuclear reactors in northeastern Japan. The 40-year old General Electric Mark 1 boiling water reactor (BWR) at Vermont Yankee is the same model and age as the reactors in the Fukushima power plant.The concern over Vermont Yankee nuclear operations is not unique. All over the world, those nations with nuclear energy programs are taking a look at their own nuclear endeavors. According to SBI EnergyThe boiling water reactor (BWR) design used at the Vernon plant and at Fukushima has been criticized intensely since the accident on March 11, 2011; however, it is unlikely the scrutiny will have a negative impact on the market segment. Leading energy market research firm SBI Energy forecasts that after a brief dip in BWR project closures between 2013 and 2015, the market segment will completely rebound to 2010 levels by 2020.  Newer boiling water reactors are more technologically advanced and reportedly safer. All new “planned” boiling water reactors listed on the World Nuclear Association are Advanced Boiling Water Reactors (ABWRs), which were designed with the latest safety mechanisms in place – along with other advanced features.

 Source: Industry sources, complied and estimated by SBI Energy.