DTE Energy announced on Thursday that they have been approved to build upon the existing Fermi 2 Nuclear Power Plant in Newport, Michigan, by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
While the company has no concrete plans to begin construction, it remains a viable option for them to develop nuclear energy for their clients should the need arise.
"We're committed to taking the most comprehensive, prudent actions to meet the energy needs of our customers," DTE Energy President and CEO Steven Kurmas said. "Our energy infrastructure investment is rooted in Michigan, and this will continue as we work with the state to ensure reliable, clean, safe energy that will help Michigan preserve its bright future."
The Fermi 2 facility is a 1,140-megawatt nuclear generator that has been in operation since 1988. The company is also involved with other forms of energy production, including oil and natural gas, solar and wind energy.
"With this license, DTE Energy now possesses the most diverse, comprehensive slate of options to plan for Michigan's energy future," Kurmas said. "The potential of additional nuclear energy gives us the option of reliable, base-load generation that does not emit greenhouse gases."
The licensing process take six years to complete, and the facility was examined in order to determine its safety, technical prowess and what effect, if any, it would have on the environment. The company has stated that the GE Hitachi Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor would be the reactor to be constructed.
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