Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant to Close by 2021

[SummerMadness]

Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant to Close by 2021

agreement New York State reached this week with Entergy, the utility company that owns the facility in Westchester County, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal.

Under the terms of the agreement, one of the two nuclear reactors at Indian Point will permanently cease operations by April 2020, while the other must be closed by April 2021. The shutdown has long been a priority for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who — though supportive of upstate nuclear plants — has repeatedly called for shutting down Indian Point, which he says poses too great a risk to New York City, less than 30 miles to the south.

 

[MyOwnSockPuppet]

Well yeah, nuclear reactors (like most other things) have a useful lifespan, and when they get to the end of that lifespan then you stop using them. And they are kinda more than forty years old (reactor 2 went online in 1974 and reactor 3 in 1976).

 

[bhsmte]

Yep, pretty typical when these places have been around multiple decades.

 

[SummerMadness]

Entergy, which is based in New Orleans, has been seeking a 20-year renewal of its license from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission since 2007. But New York State officials have challenged that renewal on several fronts and have refused to grant permits that they say the plant needs to continue operating.

How Long Can a Nuclear Reactor Last?

Increasingly dependable and emitting few greenhouse gases, the U.S. fleet of nuclear power plants will likely run for another 50 or even 70 years before it is retired -- long past the 40-year life span planned decades ago -- according to industry executives, regulators and scientists.

They could have received the 20-year extension; however, due to concerns of its closeness to the New York City as well as dangers to the environment, demonstrated by accidents over the years. The shutdown is also about the state's commitment to renewable energy.

More Contaminants Discovered in Water at Indian Point Plant
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/27/1-2-million-fine-for-indian-point-fire/
Indian Point Unit 3 Transformer Liquid Discharge into Hudson Estimated at Approximately 3,000 Gallons; Hotline Telephone Available to Report Potential Oil Sightings – Indianpoint Website