Constellation Energy Nuclear Group Employees Win EPRI Technology Transfer Award

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Constellation Energy Nuclear Group (CENG) employees Laura Farrell and Tim Rogers recently were honored for their work in applying research and development by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). Farrell and Rogers received an EPRI Technology Transfer Award, given annually to EPRI members who have led technology transfer efforts on behalf of their companies and the industry at large. The award was presented during meetings of EPRI’s nuclear advisors in Savannah, Georgia during the week of January 28.

“The vision, hard work and leadership demonstrated by Laura and Tim highlights how collaboration between EPRI and its members can address key industry issues”

Farrell and Rogers used EPRI guidance to shift CENG’s management of obsolescence issues from a reactive approach to a proactive approach. CENG previously had no formal obsolescence program. The EPRI guidance enabled Farrell and Rogers to clarify roles, define an obsolescence management process, develop prioritization examples and implement key performance indicators. The lessons learned captured in the EPRI report helped CENG avoid obstacles that other utilities had experienced and identify useful implementation tools, such as system health reports.

“Equipment Reliability is a major focus area for our organization and it is exciting to be recognized by EPRI for our efforts,” offers Gene Van Slyke, CENG’s Senior Vice President of Support Services. “Obsolescence issues remain a major challenge for the nuclear industry and we appreciate the recognition as we develop solutions that not only benefit CENG’s performance, but the performance of every nuclear energy facility in the country. We are only beginning our journey in resolving these challenging issues and are encouraged by the EPRI recognition that validates our commitment to excellence.”

“The vision, hard work and leadership demonstrated by Laura and Tim highlights how collaboration between EPRI and its members can address key industry issues,” says Neil Wilmshurst, Vice President of Nuclear at EPRI. “The visibility of the obsolescence issue at each of the CENG sites has improved significantly, with each site being more informed about the tools available for managing obsolescence.”

EPRI presented its 2012 Technology Transfer Awards to 49 individuals, representing 14 nuclear plant owners/operators worldwide. The awards span a wide array of technology transfer activities, from the early adoption of advanced chemistry technologies and the use of EPRI technology to maintain safe shutdown at the Fukushima Daini plant following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, to the implementation of long-term asset management tools across Korea’s nuclear fleet and the application of Standardized Task Evaluations for qualification of supplemental workers at nuclear plants.

Tim Rogers, who has over 20 years of Supply Chain experience at CENG, is a Director of Supply Planning and Assurance and Laura Farrell, a newly-hired Engineer at CENG’s Ginna station, started with CENG as an intern in 2009 and recently joined the company full time.

About Constellation Energy Nuclear Group (CENG)

CENG (a joint venture between subsidiaries of Exelon Corporation (Exelon - NYSE: EXC) and Electricité de France, SA (EDF)) is based in Baltimore, Maryland. Exelon, through its subsidiaries, owns 50.01% of CENG and is the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with operations in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. EDF, through its subsidiaries, owns 49.99% of CENG and is developing strategies in North America in nuclear, renewables and trading. CENG is a leading producer of safe and reliable nuclear power. The company owns and operates five nuclear reactors at three sites in New York and Maryland. CENG’s core values are nuclear and personal safety. Nuclear energy – America’s largest source of clean-air, carbon-free, reliable electricity, producing no greenhouse gases – accounts for more than 20 percent of U.S.-produced electricity, powering one in five homes and businesses across the United States.

About EPRI

The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, affordability, health, safety and the environment. EPRI's members represent approximately 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to more than 30 countries. EPRI's principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.