Replies to post #268 on Alternate Energy Holdings (fka AEHI)

[Tinroad]

The most recent NRC design certification for a new reactor type was for the Westinghouse (Toshiba) AP1000. Westinghouse submitted the Standard Design Certification Application for the AP1000 on March 28, 2002. The NRC issued a final rule in the Federal Register certifying the design on January 27, 2006. The NRC has since had second thoughts about the AP1000 pursuant to a proposed design change by Westinghouse; the shield building around containment was redesigned and the adequacy of its structural strength is now in question. This pushes the final AP1000 certification out to 2011 or beyond, or >9 years. Bear in mind also that a combined construction/operation license (COL) is required before a reactor can be built and placed into service. That, as of now, is a new and unproven regulatory process, so its duration is unpredictable.