Finding viable, alternative energy has become a priority for
leaders throughout the world, creating economic opportunities at
home and abroad. And with renewed confidence in nuclear power,
Louisiana is leading the nuclear renaissance currently under
way.
In 2008, the state's elected and business leaders solidified
Louisiana's leadership role by recruiting the nation's first
manufacturing facility that will build modular components for new
and modified nuclear reactors. The project, known as "Shaw Modular
Solutions," is being developed by Baton Rouge-based Fortune 500
company, The Shaw Group Inc. It will be constructed at the Port of
Lake Charles in Southwest Louisiana.
"After an extensive search of potential sites, the Port of Lake
Charles was chosen because of its deep water access, its proximity
to other important modes of transportation and the availability of
a skilled workforce. The state of Louisiana also offered a very
competitive incentive package that will help us continue to create
value for our shareholders," said J.M. Bernhard Jr., Shaw's
chairman, president and CEO.
"We know that we have to invest more in alternative domestic
energy sources like wind, ethanol, solar and nuclear energy," said
Gov. Bobby Jindal.
As the premier structural steel fabricator and the largest pipe
fabricator in the United States, Shaw's new module fabrication
facility will primarily produce structural, piping and equipment
modules for new nuclear power plants utilizing the Westinghouse
AP1000(TM) technology, the world's safest and most economical
commercial nuclear power technology.
The Shaw project "doesn't only represent new jobs and a new,
vibrant, economic engine in our state, but that Louisiana is
harnessing the future of the energy industry and the most
innovative thinking of the next generation," Gov. Jindal added.
According to an economic impact analysis performed by Louisiana
State University, the Shaw project will result in $17.8 billion in
new sales, $4.5 billion in new earnings and 9,205 total new
Louisiana jobs, including indirect jobs, over 15 years.
In addition to constructing components for nuclear reactors, the
facility will have the capability to manufacture modules for
chemical sites and petrochemical plants around the world.
By focusing business development efforts and targeting public
policies at the nuclear power development industry, Louisiana plans
to build upon the existing momentum and become a leader in the
global nuclear renaissance.
In May 2009, the "Shaw Modular Solutions" project was selected
as one of Site Selection magazine's top
deals in North America for 2008. Top deals are determined by level
of capital investment, degree of high-value jobs, creativity in
negotiations and incentives, regional economic impact, competition
for the project and speed to market.
