WILMINGTON, N.C. - May 13, 2008 : – Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), a subsidiary of GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), was notified May 12 that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a license amendment request to operate a test loop for GLE's next-generation laser enrichment technology.

GLE will use information gained from the test loop to make a final decision on the construction of a commercial facility as early as the beginning of 2009. GLE is currently preparing an NRC license application to build and operate the commercial plant.

"Thus far, the licensing process has progressed smoothly," said Tammy Orr, President and CEO of GEH's Global Laser Enrichment business. "We are working on a commercial facility license for the Wilmington site for submittal later this year."

The test loop is being built in the nuclear fuel manufacturing facility operated by Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas, LLC (GNF-A), which is co-located at GEH's nuclear energy headquarters site in Wilmington, N.C. At GEH's request, GNF-A applied to the NRC to amend its nuclear materials facility license so that GLE can perform confirmation testing of the laser enrichment technology.

With facility construction nearly complete, GLE anticipates commencing installation of test loop equipment - such as lasers, gas handling equipment and auxiliary systems - in the near future. A primary objective of the test loop is to advance the design of the commercial facility building, equipment and processes. This involves designing components for the commercial production facility itself, as well as ascertaining the specifications and range of operating parameters needed for equipment to be used in commercial production. As part of this process, UF6 will be enriched in small amounts and then blended back to natural UF6.

GEH has exclusive rights to develop, commercialize and launch this third-generation uranium enrichment technology on a global basis. Commercial facility licensing activities are currently underway to support a projected start-up date of 2012. The GLE commercial facility would have a target capacity of between 3.5 and 6 million separative work units (SWUs).

GEH announced April 30 it had selected its Wilmington site to host the potential full-scale enrichment facility if it formally decides to proceed with construction of the plant.

As GLE moves towards the potential construction of a full commercial facility, GEH continues to hire qualified individuals to work on the project. Because the U.S. government requires certain protections for the uranium enrichment technology, GEH is seeking individuals with NRC "Q" clearances (or equivalent Department of Energy "Q" or Department of Defense "Top Secret/Single Scope Background Investigation" [TS/SSBI] clearances). Interested individuals can explore job opportunities by visiting www.gecareers.com.

About GEH Nuclear Energy

Based in Wilmington, N.C., GEH is a world-leading provider of advanced reactors and nuclear services. Established in June 2007, GEH is a global nuclear alliance created by GE and Hitachi to serve the global nuclear industry. The new nuclear alliance executes a single, strategic vision to create a broader portfolio of solutions, expanding its capabilities for new reactor and service opportunities. The alliance offers customers around the world the technological leadership required to effectively enhance reactor performance, power output and safety.

About GE Energy

GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2007 revenue of $22 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Numerous GE Energy products are certified under ecomagination, GE's corporate-wide initiative to aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet pressing environmental challenges.

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