(Translated from original text)
Changes in the top echelons of the U.S. government related to the beginning of the second term of President Obama, may affect the Company USEC - the only purely American supplier of enriched uranium, according to "Cincinnati Enquirer".
Politics and Money
First of all, changing leadership in the Ministry of Energy. Steven Chu announced that there will be a second term. There are rumors that go along with it, and some of the deputy minister.
President Obama speaks about the desire to focus on control of greenhouse gas emissions. It sounds good for the supporters of nuclear energy.
But Will USEC use of a good thing? After all, even those who responds positively to the company, recognize - the centrifuge technology ACP ("American Centrifuge") good prospects for the immediate future, but the overall uncertainty in the future.
Do not forget about the financial troubles USEC. Banal lack of money for the company may be much more important than any political changes in the United States.
About the money more. The current situation is that - they at USEC once again end in late February. Predict the collapse early. With high probability, the U.S. Congress approved the allocation of the next tranche of the development of centrifuge technology to a minimum of $ 50 million.
Sherrod Brown, a Democratic senator from the state of Ohio, where he planned to build a plant separation centrifuge ACP, confident that the money will be: "I believe that the White House and Congress to support this idea."
His colleague on the Senate, Republican Rob Portman, said that President Obama could have done more for the centrifuge project than simply support the project.
Unlike Brown, Portman is set more than sad. There is a danger that one day Washington will stop financing the activities of USEC and put on the American centrifuge project bullet. "Although I feel that we still have a chance of survival," - he added.
In the House of Representatives in favor and USEC centrifuge plant in Piketon actively supports deputy Republican newcomer Brad Uenstrup: "I will be very happy to see that the project (the construction of the plant) will go ahead. This must be done as a matter of U.S. national security."
USEC company promises that in case of transfer of the plant in Piketon in operation it will be able to produce enriched uranium for dozens of American units. It is important that the plant will strengthen the national security of the country - in America will have its own manufacturer PMO on a commercial scale and modern technology.
Activists and Congressman against
Support voice in Congress does not mean that opponents of the project on their hands. Experts warn - the main battle is over and USEC centrifuge program will unfold at the end of the year.
This is the time to finish the so-called RD & D program - a joint program of research, development and demonstration. The program, partially funded by the state, the company is committed to USEC to prove in practice the seriousness commercialize technology ACP.
After the end of the RD & D program, USEC will resume application for state guarantees for the construction of the separation plant. Naturally, we can not say with absolute certainty in what amount will claim, but in the past (bad) times the company had requested state guarantees for $ 2 billion.
Otomn Hannah, representing a public organization "Taxpayers for common sense" (Taxpayers for Common Sense), believes that the renewal or new application will cause a new wave of criticism of the centrifuge project.
Already spent a total of cash and the difficult financial situation USEC will be one of the strongest arguments against. Hanna recalled that USEC shares traded now cheaper than $ 1, and if the situation is not corrected, the New York Stock Exchange may remove them from the auction.
"Taxpayers do not have to spend more money on USEC. A Department of Energy can not act as a life preserver," - says Hanna.
In the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress is well-known and influential politician Democrat Ed Markey (Edward Markey), known for his dislike of nuclear power. It is included in - and can even be headed - the number of those parliamentarians who are going to fight against the budgetary infusions in USEC.
"Listen! Cost the company a little more than $ 70 million, and it is threatened by a crash with the stock exchanges, where it will go to flea markets (penny stock, stock markets are cheap.) Continue to subsidize this incident the company would be irresponsible," - he said.
Approx. AtomInfo.Ru. - We know that the translation of "flea market" for the term "penny stock" is incorrect. But it better reflects the expression of speech, Mr. Markey.
DoE recalls
Press Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Nikita Kumar said that the Obama administration will support proposals for allocation of funds to complete the RD & D program.
As to the state guarantees, here, judging by her hints, not all rosy. Kumar recalled - RD & D program is "critical" in determining the "technical and financial risks associated with the project ACP".
The agreement between USEC and the Ministry, according to which the latter has funded RD & D program that obliges the company to achieve "a number of specific technical milestones and indicators that will provide significant protection (money) taxpayers," said Kumar.
The company intend to answer all the questions arising from the ministry and worries in his application for state guarantees, which USEC will submit in December this year. Press-service of the company reports in the best tradition - to ensure succeed, strengthen the financial position and serve the "strong" bid.
Senators Brown and Portman with forecasts in no hurry. "There are obstacles to be overcome ... and I can not make estimates for eight months in advance and know how things will go," - says Brown.
Portman said that the Obama administration may simply be unwilling to issue state guarantees under centrifuge project.
"This will require leadership from the administration, which they lack. There are arguments" for "and" against. "I am optimistic and I believe that in the end they will make the right decision. But, as you will remind people in Piketon, Time falls away as sand "- philosophizes Portman.
Original Publication URL: http://www.atominfo.ru/newsd/k0362.htm
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