April 10, 2014
Hitachi Establishes European Nuclear Research Centre
Hitachi, Ltd. today announced that it will establish a new R&D base in the UK - the European Nuclear Research Centre (ENRC) - by the end of September 2014. The Centre will have the aim of facilitating the development of safe and efficient nuclear power technologies based on advanced plant maintenance technology and proven decommissioning techniques in Europe, as part of Hitachi's plan to expand its overseas nuclear power business.
ENRC will be conducting joint research with UK and European universities to bring together the leading technologies developed in Europe and Hitachi's BWR (boiling water reactor) technology, to develop even safer and more efficient nuclear power technologies, including technology to reduce the level of radiation exposure to plant personnel, and technology to raise plant utilization. Further, through such activities, Hitachi aims to train local technical staff in Hitachi's BWR technology. ENRC will also be undertaking R&D for medium to long-term issues such as reducing the volume of waste and lowering the cost of decommissioning.
