The new steam generators will be delivered of in May 2013 with installation due to follow in September 2013.

The contract marks the second order from Xcel Energy for replacement steam generators at Prairie Island following a similar deal in 2004.

The news comes as Areva announces a number of appointments within the group with Bertrand Durrande executive vice president of the newly created ‘Renewable Energies’ unit. Meanwhile, François-Xavier Rouxel is senior vice president of strategy.