Increased Demand For Nuclear Power

May 2006

In The United States and the United Kingdom preparations are taking place that may lead to 15 new reactor orders by 2007. In the rest of the world approximately 24 power plants are scheduled to be built or refurbished within the next 5 years. Almost 80% of the commercial nuclear reactors currently in operation are nearly 15 years old. New reactors will have to replace decommissioned ones, in order to maintain nuclear powers position in the overall energy market. Fueled by the need for "clean" energy and increasing petroleum prices, a demand for new and retro-fitted stainless steel items such as heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and tanks will increase, as the power plants adjust to meet more stringent EPA standards.