TORONTO, ONTARIO - January 25, 2008 : – General Electric and the University of Bath (U.K.) have received a prestigious environmental award from the London-based Institution of Chemical Engineers for developing an innovative technology to store, treat and recycle tritium waste, a radioactive chemical byproduct of medical research and nuclear power generation.

Tritium (H-3) is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that plays a vital role in world-class medical research, advancing the understanding and discovery of new drugs. In addition to medical applications, the isotope is used commercially in a variety of self-luminescent products, including exit signs in buildings, aircraft dials, gauges and wrist watches.

Tritium occurs naturally in the environment in very low concentrations but also is created as a byproduct of the nuclear power generation process.

The new treatment technology is designed to capture and process tritium waste so that it can be properly stored and recycled, thus reducing environmental impact, personnel exposure levels and enhancing healthcare workplace safety.

At a recent awards ceremony in London, the Institution of Chemical Engineers presented GE and the University of Bath with the highly commended ABB Engineering Services Environment Award, which focuses on a technology's ability to minimize the impact on the environment with respect to resource use, recycling and water reduction.

"We are exceptionally proud that our work has been recognized by receiving this eminent award," said Ian Bonnett, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy's (GEH) product manager who helped pioneer the technology in the United Kingdom. "This ground-breaking solution will enable waste chemicals to be captured, processed and purified so that tritium can be recycled and reused in the manufacturing processes."

University of Bath Prof. Stan Kolaczkowski received the joint award with Bonnett.

Heralded as an "environmental dream" by the institution's magazine, The Chemical Engineer, the new treatment technology is currently being installed at the GE Healthcare Maynard Centre in Cardiff, U.K., as part of a $60 million (£20 million) tritium recovery and recycling facility, which is due to come on line in 2008.

GE Healthcare uses radioactive material, in the form of the hydrogen isotope tritium, in its work producing medical diagnostic and treatment products. The new treatment method cuts the amount of radioactive waste from this process.

Medical Research Technology Also Adapted for Nuclear Power Plants

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, the nuclear energy alliance business of GE and Hitachi, recently established its new Center of Excellence for Light Isotope Technology at its Canadian headquarters in Peterborough, Ontario. GEH launched the new center to adapt the tritium treatment technology for use in the global nuclear industry, which is seeking ways to reduce tritium levels at nuclear power stations that can potentially lead to environmental and workplace exposure issues.

The new center of excellence, which is lead by GEH's Bonnett, has begun offering tritium separation and removal technology as a solution for Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) type pressurized heavy water reactors, light water reactors around the world and potential fusion applications.

For example, as a CANDU reactor ages, tritium accumulates in its moderator and heat transport systems. Increased levels of tritium can significantly contribute to personnel dose rates and emissions levels in the environment. To help utilities reduce levels of tritium in their reactors, GEH has developed an innovative Tritium Separation Centre (TSC) - a stand-alone facility capable of being built anywhere on a given nuclear plant site. Tritiated heavy water is pumped from the nuclear power station to the TSC in batches for processing. After being separated from tritium, the heavy water is returned to the station for reuse, while the tritium is then safely contained in high-security underground vaults. The technology can be tailored for non-CANDU reactors.

The tritium can then be used by the medical research industry, or it can simply be stored until the tritium turns into safe, non-radioactive helium through natural radioactive decay.

GEH also has proposed its TSC technology for use by the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ("ITER") coalition, which is currently working to demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power. GEH's technology can significantly reduce the quantity of radioactive material in the fusion process.

About GEH Nuclear Energy

Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, GEH is a world-leading provider of advanced reactors and nuclear services. GEH's Canadian operating company, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada (GEHC), is headquartered in Peterborough, Ontario.

Established in June 2007, GEH is a global nuclear alliance created by GE and Hitachi to serve the global nuclear industry outside Japan. 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.

GEHC operates three nuclear fuel facilities in Ontario that support Canada's fleet of CANDU reactors. GEHC is a member of "Team CANDU," a consortium of companies formed to support AECL's efforts to build new advanced CANDU power plants in Ontario.

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