Nuclear power, already an economic force in the Chattanooga area, could supply the city with even more of a charge with today’s formal startup of a key Alstom plant, officials say.
“It definitely positions Chattanooga well if it has a major facility for building some of the large components,” said Mitch Singer of the Nuclear Energy Institute in Washington, D.C.
Paris-based Alstom’s top corporate leadership along with Gov. Phil Bredesen are expected to take part in dedicating the $300 million Riverfront Parkway plant.
The facility is designed to build the world’s largest steam and gas turbines for power plants as well as retrofit existing facilities, according to Alstom officials.
On Wednesday, Alstom brought in about 100 customers for a sneak preview of the plant and to talk about energy, said Amy Ericson, vice president market communications for Alstom’s power sector.