New energy in nuclear power supply battle. Firms jostle to be 1st in line for scarce reactor components

January 6, 2008

The latest nuclear race involves something other than warheads.

American utilities are moving forward on the next generation of nuclear reactors -- even before they receive government approval to build them.

They know only one company in the world that forges specialized steel containers for a reactor's core. Japan Steel Works already has a three-year backlog, and buyers include Chicago-based Exelon Corp.

By Joshua Boak | Tribune staff reporter

Full Story:http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sun_nukejan06,0,6203019.story