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March 22, 2017

HITACHI-GE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE BOOST BWR
UNDERSTANDING

London, 22nd March, 2017 - Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd. (Hitachi-GE) today held the latest in its 4-year series of UK academic seminars on the Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (ABWR), working with Cambridge University.

Hitachi-GE - the reactor provider to Horizon Nuclear Power for their proposed nuclear development at Wylfa Newydd on the Isle of Anglesey - has worked with a number of prestigious UK Universities, running technical seminars on the ABWR.

The UK ABWR is set for deployment on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, and is expected to be in commercial operation around 2025.

President and Representative Director of Hitachi-GE, Hidetoshi Takehara said:

“The seminars provide a really valuable opportunity to further understanding of Boiling Water Reactor technology - and the ABWR in particular - in the UK.

He went on: “Globally, BWRs are the second most commonly deployed reactor type, but Wylfa Newydd will be the first BWR in the UK. The UK has a world-renowned academic and industrial pedigree in the nuclear sector, and our seminars provide an introduction to the design, helping deepen and broaden the UKs domestic BWR expertise.

He finished: “Working with Cambridge adds a new dimension to our work. They are a world leading University, and we're delighted to be partnering them for this event.

Dr Ian Farnan, from the University of Cambridge's Department of Earth Sciences, said:

“Today's event has provided a real insight into Boiling Water Reactor technology. With ABWRs set to play a major role in the future of the UK energy mix, it is of the greatest importance that UK industry and academia continue building domestic expertise on Boiling Water Reactors”.

Notes to editors

  • The 2-day seminar, running from 22nd to 23rd March, is the latest in a programme of academic technical seminars underway since 2013.
  • Hitachi-GE has previously worked with Imperial College, the University of Manchester, the University of Birmingham, Bristol University and Bangor University.
  • The seminars are one aspect of Hitachi-GE's work to further UK understanding and expertise in Boiling Water Reactor technology. This also includes their support for the ‘BWR Research Hub and Network' launched by Imperial College and Bangor University; as well as a summer internship programme for selected PHD students.
  • Hitachi-GE is providing the UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (UK ABWR) to Horizon Nuclear Power for their proposed new nuclear development at Wylfa Newydd, on the Isle of Anglesey, working through the Menter Newydd joint venture.
  • Horizon is developing plans to build at least 5,400MW of new nuclear power generation plant at Wylfa on the Isle of Anglesey and Oldbury-on-Severn in South Gloucestershire. Its power station sites will employ 850 people each once operational with a construction workforce of between 8,000 and 10,000.
  • Hitachi-GE is currently taking the UK ABWR through the nuclear regulators' Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process. GDA is progressing well and is expected to finish, on schedule, this December. For more information about GDA and the UK ABWR visit: www.hitachi-hgne-uk-abwr.com

About Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.

Hitachi-GE, a joint venture established by Hitachi, Ltd. and General Electric Company in July 2007, as one of the world's leading comprehensive plant manufacturers, engages in the development, planning, design, manufacture, inspection, installation, pre-operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactor-related equipment and is able to execute integrated project management. Hitachi-GE has been involved with 23 reactors in Japan to date, including those currently under construction.

About Cambridge University

The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. To date, 96 affiliates of the University have won the Nobel Prize.

Founded in 1209, the University comprises 31 autonomous Colleges, which admit undergraduates and provide small-group tuition, and 150 departments, faculties and institutions.

Cambridge is a global university. Its 19,000 student body includes 3,700 international students from 120 countries. Cambridge researchers collaborate with colleagues worldwide, and the University has established larger-scale partnerships in Asia, Africa and America.

The University sits at the heart of one of the world's largest technology clusters. The ‘Cambridge Phenomenon' has created 1,500 hi-tech companies, 14 of them valued at over US$1 billion and two at over US$10 billion. Cambridge promotes the interface between academia and business, and has a global reputation for innovation. www.cam.ac.uk

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