SUEZ states that recent press reports indicating that SUEZ has reportedly decided to build a nuclear power plant in Tricastin are inaccurate.
While SUEZ is a market leader in nuclear power and has extensive expertise in the field, the Group maintains that any decision concerning the construction of new plants is a long-term process that must be conducted in several pre-defined phases, specifically in terms of consultation, and in compliance with the sovereign decisions of the Member States.
The Group, which operates seven reactors in Belgium and has holdings in the power plants in Chooz and Tricastin in France, confirms that nuclear power is a key element in its development strategy. Its expertise covers the entire value chain, including design and construction of new power plants, operation and maintenance of existing sites and decommissioning of closed facilities.
In 2004, the Boards of Directors of SUEZ and Electrabel asked the management of the Group to continue exploring the studies and contacts necessary to achieve nuclear power capacity using European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) technology, under the most favorable economic conditions.
To date, no decision has been made as to the construction of a new nuclear power plant.
SUEZ, an international industrial Group, designs sustainable and innovative solutions for the management of public utility services as a partner of public authorities, businesses and individuals.
The Group aims to meet essential needs in electricity, natural gas, energy services, water and waste management. SUEZ is listed on the Brussels, Luxembourg, Paris, New York and Zurich stock exchanges and is represented in the major international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ STOXX 50, DJ EURO STOXX 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe and ASPI Eurozone. The Group employs 157,650 people worldwide and achieved revenues of EUR 41.5 billion in 2005, 89% of which were generated in Europe and in North America.
SOURCE: SUEZ
DATE: Feb 16, 2007