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A Publication

8 How 2015 Could


Impact Nuclear’s Future NEWS BRIEFS 3
ENRICHMENT 8
FUEL FOR THOUGHT 9
No. 1

NUCLEUS 1
2015 In Review 10
Volume 9

NUCLEUS 2
Vermont Yankee’s Spent Fuel Challenges 14
NUCLEUS 3
16
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

Safety Upgrades Prolong Plant Life

NUCLEAR EVENTS 20
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A Publication
NEWS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 3

UK Study Shows NuScale Amec Foster Wheeler testing, delivery, on-site integration,
SMR Can Use MOX Nuclear Fuel to Maintain Nuclear commissioning and final acceptance
Jan. 20 Fusion Project tests for ITER’s natural beam remote
NuScale Power completed a study supporting Jan. 20 handling system.
the suitability of the company’s small modular Amec Foster Wheeler signed a
reactor to effectively dispose of plutonium in framework agreement to supply U.S. Nuclear Power Plants
the U.K. maintenance and remote handling Set Average Capacity Factor
The study commissioned by the U.K. Na- services to the ITER nuclear fusion Record in 2015
tional Nuclear Laboratory evaluated scenarios research project in France. Jan. 19
with partial and full-core loading of mixed The four-year, $4.4 million con- U.S. nuclear power facilities oper-
uranium-plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel. The tract will cover critical complex ar- ated at a record high level of reliabil-
study confirmed that MOX could be used in eas such as the hot cell, where irra- ity in 2015, according to preliminary
the NuScale core with minimal effect on the diated components are dismantled estimates from the Nuclear Energy
reactor’s design and operation. The study dem- and treated, and the Cryostat, the Institute (NEI).
onstrated that a 12-module NuScale plant with second-largest high-vacuum pressure NEI said 99 operating power plants
100 percent MOX cores could consume a 100 chamber ever built at 3,850 tonnes. in 30 states posted an estimated av-
metric-ton stockpile of discharged plutonium Amec Foster Wheeler will also ana- erage capacity factor of 91.9 percent,
in about 40 years. lyze reliability, control costs, carry based on preliminary 2015 data. That
The NuScale Power Module is a technol- out virtual and physical mock-ups to number surpasses the industry’s pri-
ogy with the potential to be fueled by either test procedures, and produce mainte- or record set in 2007 by one-tenth of
conventional light water reactor fuel or MOX nance documentation. a percentage point. Capacity factor
fuel. More than 100 metric tons of civil In May 2015, an Amec Foster measures the total electricity gener-
plutonium is managed at the Sellafield site Wheeler-led joint venture won a ated as a percentage of potential gen-
in northwest England, but the U.K. govern- $76.5 million, seven-year contract eration for the entire year.
ment has been looking for ways to either dispose to carry out all activities ranging Electricity production from
of or reuse it. from design, manufacturing, factory nuclear plants last year was an
CONTINUED NEWS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 4

estimated 797.9 billion kilowatt-hours Deadlines Set for Nuclear, March 16, 2016
(kWh). The industry’s record was in Renewable, Fossil Fuel Loan May 18, 2016
2010 when 104 reactors produced Guarantee Applications July 13, 2016
806.9 billion kwh of electricity while Jan. 19 Part II application deadlines are:
posting an average capacity factor of The U.S. Department of Energy Feb. 17, 2016
90.9 percent. (DOE)’s Loan Programs Office an- April 13, 2016
The amount of electricity generated nounced upcoming deadlines for loan June 15, 2016
last year surpassed the amount guarantee solicitation applications for Aug. 17, 2016
produced in 2014, though there was fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable en- Oct. 19, 2016
one less power plant with the closure ergy projects. Part I deadlines We sweat the [small] stuff.
of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. DOE also finalized $1 billion of for nuclear applications are:
“The 2015 data confirm yet again additional loan guarantee authority March 16, 2016 Rising demands. Aging assets. Shrinking workforce. Water
chemistry. Regulatory compliance. Corrosion control.
what a tremendous asset nuclear available for applicants. The guidance May 18, 2016 The stuff that costs you time, money and resources.
energy technology is,” said NEI Chief adds $500 million to the Advanced July 20, 2016 [It’s not such small stuff after all.]
Nuclear Officer Anthony Pietrangelo. Fossil Energy Projects solicitation, Part II application deadlines are: What if you could outsource these issues to experts? Experts
who could let you know what you needed to do and when,
“U.S. nuclear power plants continue totaling up to $8.5 billion. The re- April 13, 2016 cost-effectively?
to operate at exceptional levels of maining $500 million was added to Oct. 19, 2016 You can. AquatiPro® support & service offers the only certified
service program for sample conditioning and analysis systems
safety and reliability, while generating the Renewable Energy and Efficient Nov. 23, 2016 from multiple vendors. We handle startup, commissioning and
training for new systems while keeping installed systems in peak
affordable electricity that consumers Energy (REEE) Projects solicitation,
performance with preventative maintenance, upgrades, retrofits,
and our economy rely on. This is due bringing that total up to $4.5 billion. Hinkley Point C Power parts and consumables – a complete range of lifecycle solutions
no other company offers.
to the hard work and dedication of the The President clarified that distribut- Line Approved And that’s no small thing.
highly skilled men and women who ed energy projects are eligible for loan Jan. 19
Learn more at sentry-equip.com/support.
work at these facilities and the reactor guarantees under the Advanced Fossil The British government approved
vendors and suppliers who provide Energy and REEE solicitations. a power line project at the Hinkley
support services.” Part I application deadlines for the Point C nuclear project.
Final 2015 data will be available in fossil fuel and renewable energy appli- When completed, the project
about two months. cations are: will carry power 37 miles from the
CONTINUED NEWS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 5

Entergy Sues New York Over since 2007 because of opposition from the attempts to encroach on the federal gov- planned 3.2-GW plant to the south-
Indian Point Nuclear Plant state. The NRC allows plants to continue ernment’s nuclear safety management west of England. The power line will
Jan. 19 operating while license extensions are un- of Indian Point is an investigation of the use a new generation of pylon called
Entergy (NYSE: ETR) filed suit against der review under the federal government’s plant, launched last month by the New the T-pylon, according to an article
the state of New York, saying two actions “timely renewal” provision until the NRC York Department of Public Service,” Kak- from Reuters Africa.
taken at the end of 2015 encroached on makes a final determination. A decision is ridas said. “Entergy has written a letter to Owner EDF plans to build the nu-
federal regulation at the Indian Point nu- not expected for several years. the New York State Public Service com- clear plant for 18 billion pounds ($25.5
clear power plant. “While states have the right to partici- mission objecting to that probe in part be- billion) and start operations in 2025.
pate in the federal regulatory stakeholder cause it pre-empts federal regulation.” EDF and Chinese utility CGN agreed
process relative to nuclear power plant Gov. Andrew Cuomo wrote in a letter in October to jointly build Hinkley
operations, well-established federal law to the chair of the state PSC, dated Dec. Point C but have not finalized funding.
– including a 2013 ruling related to En- 16, 2015, to look into the plant’s capital
tergy’s Vermont Yankee facility – clearly and maintenance budgets and their im- Hitachi Forms UK Nuclear
precludes any state from using presumed pacts on the outages and operations. Development Company
nuclear safety issues as a basis for decision “Indian Point operates today without Jan. 19
making in a state regulatory review, as a timely license for Unit 2 or Unit 3,” Hitachi Ltd. announced the forma-
NYSDOS has done with its Nov. 6 objec- Cuomo said. “New York State continues tion of a company that will lead its
Entergy filed with a federal court to in- tion,” said Patricia Kakridas, spokeswom- to argue vehemently before the Nuclear work on development of a nuclear pow-
validate a Nov. 6 decision from the New an for Entergy. Regulatory Commission that it is time to er plant in the UK.
York Department of State to object the Entergy says an investigation launched retire this aging facility.” The company incorporated a new com-
plant’s coastal consistency certification, after an electrical disturbance in trans- Indian Point provides about 25 percent pany called Hitachi Nuclear Energy Eu-
a move the utility says is an attempt to mission lines caused Unit 3 to shut down of the electricity used in New York City rope Ltd., as well as further progress with
block the license renewals for both reac- in December encroached on federal reg- and Westchester annually. The state says potential joint venture partners Bechtel
tors. Entergy’s application for 20-year li- ulation as well. the plant’s close proximity to New York Management Company Ltd. and JGC
cense extensions has been held up with “Aside from the coastal management City makes it difficult to implement an Corp. The new Tier 1 company and joint
the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission objection, the latest example of the state’s efficient emergency evacuation plan. venture are expected to help Hitachi
[CONTINUED ON PG. 7]
CONTINUED NEWS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 6

Toshiba Debris Removal the FRS will lift


System Installed at Fukushima the TV to an
Daiichi 3 Nuclear Unit ab ove - g r ou nd
Jan. 18 floor of the reac-
Toshiba Corp. revealed a remotely tor building for
operated system to remove debris and transportation
fuel from the spent fuel pool at Fuku- to a temporary
shima Daiichi nuclear Unit 3 in Japan. storage site.
The Fuel Removal System (FRS) The FRS con-
will be installed at the Fukushima site sists of a fuel han-
starting now. Testing and training had dling machine
been performed up to last December, for removing
and fuel removal is expected to begin the debris and
in fiscal year 2017. fuel and cranes
During the 2011 accident, a hydrogen for bringing in
explosion inside Unit 3 destroyed the up- the TVs, clos-
per part of the reactor building and lit- ing their lids and
tered the operation floor and spent fuel hoisting them up to ground-level floor. appropriate cutting or gripping jig via
pool with debris. The debris and all of The fuel handling machine is equipped remote control, depending on the state
the fuel must be removed in order to re- with two manipulators capable of cut- of the debris in the pool. The cranes
turn the unit to stable condition. ting and grabbing debris and a mast and section consists of the main hoist with
The FRS developed by Toshiba is de- fuel grapple tool for taking out fuel. the TV lifting rig – which transfers
signed to remove the debris, and to place The manipulator tips, auxiliary fuel to the TVs – and an auxiliary hoist
fuels in a transfer vessel (TV) that can be hoists and fuel grapple tool attached for removing and securing the TV pri-
securely sealed. Once that is completed, to the mast can be replaced with an mary lid.
CONTINUED NEWS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 7

[CONTINUED FROM PG. 5]


enhance its UK presence for the en- operations and economics. The reactor
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ENRICHMENT
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 8

COP21 vs. Clean Power Plan:


The second plan was reached during in which we want clean, reliable and af-
the COP21 climate change talks in Paris. fordable electricity, but we are not able to

Which Benefits Nuclear More?


Almost 200 countries agreed to reduce provide it because we failed to plan, invest
greenhouse gas emissions to a level that and build when we could,” Roderick said.
BY SHARRYN DOTSON, EDITOR will limit the rise of the global average “New energy infrastructure that will last

T
wo plans were released in 2015 aimed at cutting emissions. The temperature to well below 2 degrees C for 50 years or more cannot be built over-
plans have different requirements and methods of reducing pol- (3.6 F) of pre-industrial levels by 2030. night. We need careful, long-term plan-
lutants resulting from power generation, and they also have dif- The reductions mean nations will have to ning of investments and construction.”
ferent potential impacts on the present and future of nuclear power. reduce their use of fossil-fueled generat- Both plans have one major goal in
While one may be a boon for nuclear new builds, the other may be a ing sources and rely more on low-carbon mind: reduce emissions generated by
hindrance, according to some in the industry. emitters, such as solar, wind and nuclear. power plants around the world. Where
President Obama and the U.S. Environmental Protection The agreement also calls for developed nuclear fits in these plans is up for debate,
Agency in August revealed the Clean Power Plan, which seeks countries to fund $100 billion a year to though common sense would say nuclear
to cut carbon emissions 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, developing countries starting in 2020 that power is one of the best zero-emission
and allows states to create and implement their own plans to cut is expected to increase over time. Every and reliable sources to build. However,
carbon emissions. A federal appeals court in January denied an five years, the nations will be required to neither plan gives any financial help to
attempt to delay the start of the plan, though 27 states continue assess and report on their progress. offset the high upfront costs to build a nu-
to challenge the rule through lawsuits. “The message from COP21 is clear: it’s clear power plant, nor do they supply any
Some say the plan does nothing to boost the U.S. nuclear indus- time to redirect investment and financ- answers to the issue of market prices not
try because it does not recognize the value of nuclear’s zero-carbon ing from carbon-intensive fossil fuels to fairly compensating nuclear in some re-
generation. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, the rule also building a new generation of nuclear pow- gions. Plant operators say the increase of
does not give credit for license extensions. The rule does say, however, er plants for security of future energy sup- renewables on the grid and low natural gas
that more premature shut downs of nuclear plants are expected in the ply,” said Danny Roderick, president and prices have led to artificially low electric-
future, which would actually increase emissions if that lost capacity is CEO of Westinghouse. ity prices that do not cover the benefits of
replaced with natural gas. The final rule does not include the five reac- He pointed out that these investments nuclear, much less normal operating costs.
tors currently under construction in the U.S. in the goal-setting calcu- need to be well thought out and planned. When those issues are fixed, then we can
lation. When they are operational, they will count toward compliance. “We cannot risk creating a situation see nuclear power’s true benefits.
FUEL FOR THOUGHT
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 9

Grassroots Growing? Seabrook’s initial license does not expire


until 2030, but NextEra applied for a 20-year
BY BRIAN SCHIMMOLLER, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR extension in 2010. Opposition has emerged,

I
t’s getting harder and harder to be an optimist when it comes to the prospects for U.S. nuclear but so has support. As reported in the Eagle-
power. Despite the pending startup of Watts Bar Unit 2 and the progress at Vogtle and Summer, Tribune in mid-November, town officials have
the economic pressures on smaller nuclear plants competing in wholesale markets are acute. pledged “unconditional support” for the license
Entergy’s double-barreled death blows in late 2015 to the Pilgrim Station in Massachusetts and extension, and have sent a letter to the Nuclear
the FitzPatrick Station in upstate New York were the latest announcements to shake the nuclear Regulatory Commission saying that the plant
power industry. While not entirely unexpected, the pain and disappointment that these decisions has “become, quite simply, an irreplaceable re-
provoked are pronounced, especially with respect to FitzPatrick, which was a well-run unit by most gional asset.” The letter also stated: “It’s almost
measures. unimaginable to think of where we would be
From afar, it’s easy to forget that there are real people affected by these decisions – hundreds of today without the plant…The continued im-
individuals who will be forced to find other work and reduce or stop investing in their communities. provements and economic expansion of our
But there are nascent signs that grassroots efforts to sustain nuclear power are gaining momentum. town is due in large part to Seabrook Station.”
For example, the communities surrounding the FitzPatrick plant in northern New York used both One letter on behalf of one plant, of
political and media channels to try to save the facility. They got state politicians from the district to course, does not guarantee success across the
publicly lobby on behalf of the plant, they appealed to the governor to intervene, they coordinated U.S nuclear fleet. But the hundreds of jobs,
union support, and they organized public rallies. Business leaders from Oswego County, N.Y., even and the tens of millions of dollars in proper-
created a touching YouTube video extolling the importance of FitzPatrick to their community. ty taxes generated by nuclear power plants,
The ramifications of the FitzPatrick closure are spreading to other communities. NextEra En- have a way of making politicians listen.
ergy Resources owns the Seabrook nuclear station in coastal New Hampshire. Like FitzPatrick, this In the end, it truly is a business decision.
is a single-unit site that bids its power into wholesale power markets. While younger and larger than The ongoing question is whether grassroots
FitzPatrick, Seabrook also could be at risk as it considers life extension, particularly in light of the efforts can alter the calculus a bit, and help
rancorous debate that surrounded its construction and startup back in the late 1980s. Public and others recognize that penalizing a healthy
political opposition delayed construction for many years, and ultimately led to the cancellation of a asset for operating in an unhealthy market is
second planned unit. not in anyone’s best interests.
NUCLEUS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 10

2015 In Review
BY SHARRYN DOTSON, EDITOR

B
y the time 2015 started, the U.S. nuclear industry was unstable. On one hand,
Entergy’s Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant had just shut down, unfavorable
market conditions were threatening other merchant plants to close, and the White
House had cancelled the Yucca Mountain waste repository project. On the other hand,
five nuclear reactors were under construction, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) had started renewing operating licenses after a two-year hiatus, and advanced
reactor design applications were working their way up the certification approval ladder.
By the time the year ended, much of the big news was the same, with the addition of
some recent issues and announcements.
Here is a look at some of last year’s stories that could have an impact on the industry
today and into the future.

ENTERGY ANNOUNCES PILGRIM, FITZPATRICK POWER PLANTS TO CLOSE When FitzPatrick closes, Entergy will replacement power when they close, the
Entergy Corp. said in October it made the “difficult decision” to shut down the 680- own just one operating nuclear plant in plants are the latest casualties of market
MW single-unit Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Massachusetts by 2019. Poor market New York, the dual-unit Indian Point. conditions that have led to the closures
conditions, an increase in operating costs and a decline in revenues were the main rea- State lawmakers have heavily opposed the of two other plants – including Vermont
sons behind the announcement. A few weeks later, the utility announced yet another plant due to its close proximity to New Yankee in 2014 -- and threaten future op-
closure, the 838-MW single-unit FitzPatrick plant in upstate New York by 2017 for the York City and want it shut down. Both erations of more single-unit merchant nu-
same reasons. New York lawmakers have been fighting to keep the plant open to save units can continue to operate while their clear plants. MISO posted an issues state-
the local economy, but Entergy said the costs are too great. license extensions are under review. ment in October that said reforms to its
“We recognize the consequences of the shutdown for our employees and the sur- FUTURE IMPACT: Besides the obvi- capacity market process may be required
rounding community and pledge to do our best to support both during this transition,” ous job losses, impact to the local econ- to drive future investments and ensure re-
said Leo Denault, Entergy’s chairman and CEO. omy, and finding at least 1,518-MW of liable electricity supply.
CONTINUED NUCLEUS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 11

WYLFA 1, UK’S OLDEST UK. The government is now focusing $229 million. Westinghouse purchased
OPERATING REACTOR, PERMANENTLY on waste management, potential plu- CB&I Stone & Webster, which includes
SHUTS DOWN tonium reprocessing, and attempting the business of engineering, construc-
The 1,000-MW Wylfa 1 nuclear reac- to build new nuclear plants at Hinkley tion, procurement, management, design,
tor in Wales shut down Dec. 30 after 44 Point, Sizewell, and the Wylfa Newydd installation, start-up and testing of nu-
years of operation. The unit was sched- power plant. Hinkley Point B 1 & 2 clear plants. The new subsidiary is called
uled to shut down in September 2014, and Hunterston B 1 & 2 are scheduled WECTEC.
to shut down in 2016. Westing- Westinghouse and CB&I were build- charge of construction management for
house recently announced that ing two AP1000 reactors each at Plant both projects.
its Springfields facility in the UK Vogtle in Georgia and the Summer After the initial announcement,
can manufacture SMR fuel, part plant in South Carolina. However, the South Carolina Electric & Gas Chair-
of the company’s agreement with contractors were embroiled in lawsuits man and CEO Kevin Marsh said the
the government to deploy its 225- over who was responsible for cost over- amended contract provided for “signifi-
MW SMR technology. NuScale runs and construction delays at both cantly higher liquidated damages” linked
but Magnox Limited received a 15-month also said that if it’s design review is com- sites. When the deal was finalized at the to completion of the plants. SCE&G
license extension. The company also used pleted in the normal timeline, it could beginning of 2016, Westinghouse cov- also negotiated a fixed price option that
an innovative method of moving partly deploy its 50-MW SMR in the UK by ered CB&I for past, current and future would limit the construction cost of the
used fuel from one reactor to the other 2025. That will help to make up the lost liabilities, and all lawsuits were dropped. new plants if exercised.
since the manufacturing of Magnox fuel power from units closing. The closure of the deal led to a set- “We are excited about the changes in
ceased in 2008. tlement between Westinghouse and the structure of the construction team
In 2014, the Wylfa 1 reactor shut down WESTINGHOUSE BUYS CB&I NUCLEAR Plant Vogtle co-owners Georgia Power, and the amendment to the EPC contract
for a planned maintenance outage but re- BUILD UNIT, SETTLES LAWSUITS Oglethorpe Power Corp., the Munici- for the new nuclear plants and see these
pairs were needed in a turbine and a gas In October, Westinghouse suddenly pal Electric Authority of Georgia and changes as very positive,” Marsh said.
circulator that delayed the restart twice. announced it would take over the nucle- Dalton Utilities for $350 million, sig- All four reactors are set for comple-
FUTURE IMPACT: Wylfa 1 was the ar construction business of co-contrac- nificantly less than the claims in liti- tion in 2019 and 2020.
last operating Magnox reactor in the tor Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I) for gation. The closure also put Fluor in FUTURE IMPACT: Westinghouse’s
CONTINUED NUCLEUS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 12

purchase of CB&I Stone & Webster not Lisa Nandy, the UK’s Labour Shadow forms of financing or use
only helped revamp the Summer and Energy Secretary. “It is especially trou- lessons learned from EDF
Vogtle projects, it also means Westing- bling that the Government is agreeing to to get funding approved
house no longer contracts out the work these extra nuclear subsidies at the very faster for new nuclear proj-
of current AP1000 projects in the U.S. time it is cutting support for more af- ects. The project is now
and China, a potential money saver. fordable clean energy technologies.” on hold as EDF works to
The European Commission set a finalize funding. The UK
CHINA, UK AGREE TO strike price at $143.85/MWh because is planning new reactors
BUILD HINKLEY POINT C the Sizewell nuclear project is also mov- at Sizewell C, Bradwell B,
China General Nuclear Power, ing forward. The strike price is fully in- Wylfa Newydd and Moor-
through its new company, General Nu- dexed to inflation through the Consum- side. plan calls for updates every five years to
clear International, agreed to buy a 33.5 er Price Index and the contract will last see how it is being instituted.
percent stake in the two European Pres- 35 years. CLIMATE AGREEMENT FUTURE IMPACT: It’s hard to say at this
surized Reactors planned for Hinkley FUTURE IMPACT: The incentives for REACHED DURING PARIS TALKS point what impact the agreement will
Point C for $9.3 billion. EDF will own the project continue to divide Britain, More than 190 countries agreed on have on new and current nuclear power.
66.5 percent, but plans to bring in other and future project developers will either requirements to set a goal of limiting the Even if developed countries give fund-
investors to bring its ownership stake have to find different and less expensive world’s increase in average temperatures ing to underdeveloped countries to stop
down to 50 percent. Construction is ex- to “well below 2 degrees Celsius burning fossil fuels, there is no guarantee
pected to cost $27.8 billion and is sched- above preindustrial levels” by 2030, that nuclear would be their first choice to
uled for completion by 2025. and limit the temperature increase build, particularly since some countries
The UK government approved a con- to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The devel- do not have an established industry and
troversial $3.1 billion loan guarantee for oped world must also provide $100 would have to start from the ground up.
the construction of Hinkley Point C. billion a year in funding to under-
“There is a role for new nuclear power developed countries so they can TVA’S WATTS BAR
stations to provide us with low-carbon move from fossil fuel generation to 2 NEARS COMPLETION
power supplies, but not at any cost,” said cleaner burning alternatives. The The Tennessee Valley Authority’s
CONTINUED NUCLEUS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 13

(TVA) 1,150-MW Watts in September. Power ascension testing and president of the Ex-Im Bank. “Ex-
Bar 2 in Tennessee complet- has started, and that is expected to be port focused businesses bring a host of
ed construction in October completed at the end of 2016. Units 1 benefits to their communities and local
when the U.S. Nuclear and 2 at Watts Bar will generate 2,300- economies, including generally paying
Regulatory Commission MW of electricity, enough to power 1.3 higher wages to their employees than
(NRC) approved its oper- million homes in the TVA service area. non-export businesses.”
ating license. The unit is FUTURE IMPACT: Watts Bar 2 will
a Westinghouse pressur- be the first new nuclear reactor in the
ized water reactor built by U.S. in almost three decades. The fact
contractor Bechtel. Final that the project started, stopped, then
construction costs are esti- restarted with updated equipment 22
mated at $4.7 billion, and years later is a testament to the fact
TVA said the unit should that one can never say a project is truly
be completed by June. The over until it’s over.
unit is the first to comply with Fuku- incomplete state since 1985. TVA ex- EX-IM BANK REAUTHORIZED
shima-related safety requirements on tended the construction permit and re- The charter for the U.S. Export-Im- General Electric announced in Sep-
mitigation strategies and spent fuel started efforts to complete the unit in port Bank lapsed July 1, 2015, and many tember that it was sending 500 jobs
pool instrumentation. August 2007. TVA updated the operat- companies and industry groups spoke in overseas due to a lack of funding from
“This achievement signifies more ing license application in March 2009. support of its reauthorization due to its the Ex-Im Bank.
than a stage in construction for TVA,” Loading of the 193 fuel assemblies was importance in the nuclear industry. It took FUTURE IMPACT: Future funding
said Bill Johnson, TVA president and completed, and pre-operational test- until October for the U.S. Congress to re- should hopefully stop other U.S. com-
CEO. “It demonstrates to the people ing of major systems, structures and instate the charter for the bank through panies from moving jobs overseas or
of the Valley that we have taken every important components were finished. Sept. 30, 2019. President Obama signed it eliminating them all together. The Ex-
step possible to deliver low cost, car- Hot Functional Testing and the Con- into law December 7. Im Bank is a big funder of vendors for
bon-free electricity safely and with the tainment Integrated Leak Rate Testing “Exporters and their supply chains nuclear power projects worldwide, and
highest quality.” were completed in August, and the In- are critical to the country’s economic is seen as a major contributor to the
Unit 2 had been maintained in an tegrated Safeguards Test was finished health,” said Fred Hochberg, chairman global nuclear industry.
NUCLEUS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 14

Nuclear Spent Fuel Challenges


BY MARTIN COHN, SR. COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, VERMONT YANKEE

W
ithin the next four years, Entergy has announced that it plans
to close two more of its nuclear power plants. James A. Fitz-
patrick Nuclear Power Plant in Oswego County, New York,
and Pilgrim Nuclear Power Generating Station in Plymouth, Massachu-
setts, will join Vermont Yankee in Vernon, Vermont, in moving towards
decommissioning.
Among the challenges Entergy will face is spent fuel storage.
Entergy built a dry storage pad at Vermont Yankee and has plans for a second.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, commercial
nuclear power production in the U.S. has generated over 70,000 metric tons of spent or horizontal dry storage system. The of the outer cask are not blocked so that
nuclear fuel—fuel that has been irradiated and removed from nuclear reactors—and cooled fuel is then loaded into canisters, air can circulate and therefore remove the
the inventory is increasing by about 2,200 metric tons per year. This high-level waste which are then filled with helium, sealed heat generated by the fuel.
is extremely radioactive and needs to be isolated and shielded to protect human health and tested to confirm that the canister is At the Vermont Yankee plant, for ex-
and the environment. In 1982, Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, assigning leak tight in accordance with ASME pres- ample, the spent fuel pool began nearing
the federal government’s long-standing responsibility for disposal of spent nuclear fuel to sure vessel standards. A loaded canister maximum storage capacity in the mid-
the U.S. Department of Energy. Although the DOE was to begin accepting spent fuel is transferred from the transfer contain- 2000s, and Entergy needed to construct
by January 31, 1998, the nation remains without a repository for disposal after spending er into a storage overpack or cask (large a dry storage facility in order to continue
decades and billions of dollars to research potential sites for permanent disposal, includ- steel cylindrical structures) that contains plant operations. Under Vermont state
ing Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Instead, it is currently being stored primarily at the sites high-density concrete for radiation shield- law, the Vermont Public Service Board
where it was generated. ing and ventilation openings for cooling of has the authority to review proposals for
In the absence of a national repository and as spent nuclear fuel continues to accumu- the canister. The casks are placed on a the construction of any new spent nuclear
late at individual reactor sites, Entergy and other power plant owners have been forced concrete storage pad that is part of an in- fuel storage facilities in the state. This re-
to contend with the continued on-site storage of spent nuclear fuel in spent fuel pools dependent spent fuel storage installation, quired plant owner Entergy Nuclear Ver-
and dry cask storage when the pools’ storage capacity is reached. Spent nuclear fuel or ISFSI. The casks are monitored to con- mont Yankee (ENVY) to apply to the
usually cools for at least several years in a pool before it is transferred into either a vertical firm that the vents at the top and bottom Public Service Board for a Certificate of
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NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 15

Public Good (CPG) to construct a dry of Department of Energy performance in procurement of dry storage systems and and perfecting protocols and procedures
fuel storage facility at Vermont Yankee. transferring the fuel from VY to a federal transfer of the fuel from the spent fuel pool for transportation and storage of nucle-
In 2006, after a litigated administrative repository. Entergy expects to complete to the ISFSI through two revolving credit ar waste. It is our goal that throughout
proceeding, the Vermont Public Service transferring fuel from the spent fuel pool facilities totaling approximately $145 mil- the process of developing a pilot interim
Board issued an order approving ENVY’s to the ISFSI in 2020. Once the final load- lion. ENVY plans to repay borrowings on facility that the Department of Energy
petition to construct a dry fuel storage fa- ing campaign has been completed, ENVY these credit facilities with funds recovered builds trust with all of the local com-
cility at Vermont Yankee. A concrete pad, expects to reduce the protected area to in litigation from the DOE for breach of munities involved.”
76 feet by 132 feet, was subsequently con- the area surrounding the two ISFSI pads its contract to remove spent nuclear fuel Full decommissioning and site restora-
structed that could accommodate 36 dry to reduce the security costs that will be from the VY Station. tion of the VY and other shutdown plant
casks supplied by Holtec International. funded from the nuclear decommission- Franklin Orr, Under Secretary for sites cannot take place until the used fuel is
Dry loading campaigns occurred in 2008, ing trust. The proposed second ISFSI stor- Science and Energy, recently wrote, removed by the DOE. The DOE has col-
2011 and 2012 in which 13 dry casks were age pad would be 76 feet by 93 feet and “According to consensus in the scientif- lected over $10 billion from nuclear plant
placed on the pad. built 30 feet immediately to the west of ic community, geological repositories- owners to construct and operate a spent
On August 27, 2013, Entergy an- the existing ISFSI storage pad and would -which would store nuclear material fuel repository without taking any spent
nounced that it would permanently cease continue to use the same system that was deep within the earth’s surface in safe, fuel. In 1987, Congress designated Yucca
operations at Vermont Yankee by the end previously approved by the PSB for dry scientifically proven locations--repre- Mountain in Nevada as a national dispos-
of 2014. The reactor shutdown occurred cask storage of spent fuel on site. sent the safest and most cost-effective al site. Over twenty years later, however,
on December 29, 2014. By mid-January ENVY has asked that the approval of method for permanently disposing of President Obama abandoned the project.
of 2015, all nuclear fuel was removed the Certificate of Public Good be granted spent nuclear fuel and high-level radio- It is imperative that Congress acts to find
from the reactor and placed in the spent in May 2016. If this occurs, then con- active waste. The first step for commer- a solution for the used fuel issue because
fuel pool. struction of the second ISFSI can be com- cial spent fuel begins with developing a reactor licensee cannot fully decom-
In June, 2014, ENVY filed another pleted in 2017 at the same time casks are a pilot interim storage facility that will mission a licensed reactor site until the
petition before the Vermont PSB to con- being loaded on the first ISFSI pad. This mainly accept used nuclear fuel from spent fuel has been removed from the
struct a second ISFSI storage pad to store will ensure complete transfer of all spent reactors that have already been shut site. In the meantime, Entergy and other
the spent nuclear fuel that remained in fuel to dry casks by the end of 2020. down. The purpose of a pilot facility is plant owners must continue to store the
the VY spent fuel pool. The need for the ENVY is funding the costs for the to begin the process of accepting spent spent fuel on-site in a safe, cost effective
second pad continues due to the absence construction of the second ISFSI pad, fuel from utilities, while also developing manner.
NUCLEUS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 16

Nuclear Energy Institute. With many significant investments in plant life ex-
OPG’s Bruce Power Station had systems installed operating plants reaching their end of tension, maintenance of nuclear safety
for hydrogen control to help prevent BDBAs. life in the coming decade, major refur- margin from the initial plant design
bishments and life extension projects and licensing may not be sufficient for
will play a critical role in the stability extended operation.
of nuclear power generation.
Continued operation beyond origi- REGULATOR INTERFACE
nal design operating life presents a The regulatory regimes worldwide
number of technical and regulatory are adapting to the concept of life ex-
challenges. Plant refurbishments re- tension and longer operating lives. In
quire replacement and/or rehabilita- the United States, plants are initially li-
tion of major components, including censed to operate for 40 years. Current
steam generators, turbine generators, rules allow for life extensions of an ad-
instrumentation and control or process ditional 20 years and guidance is under
computers and reactor components. development for operating licenses of
Obsolescence is a continuous problem up to 80 years. In Canada, license re-
and replacement of components of- newals for periods up to 10 years have

Nuclear Power Plant Safety Upgrades ten requires significant design changes
to accommodate current production
been granted. However, approval of
life extensions require that the power
for Extended Continued Operation models. Qualified components with
a finite service life must be replaced,
plants are deemed to be safe to operate
during this period in compliance with
SEAN DONNELLY - MANAGER, STATION OPERATIONS AND LICENSING,
NUCLEAR CANADA, AMEC FOSTER WHEELER sometimes with great difficulty and modern standards and safety goals.

M
ost operating nuclear power plants were designed for an operating life of cost. However, these types of replace-
30 or 40 years after which the units would be permanently decommis- ments are required for the mainte- PLANT DESIGN, THE DESIGN
sioned. The global nuclear energy industry has seen marginal growth in nance of nuclear safety and efficient BASIS AND BEYOND
recent years with approximately 67 new plants under construction as of July 2015, operation with minimal downtime Modern new build plants have the
in comparison to 438 operating nuclear reactors, according to numbers from the due to forced outages. Despite these benefit of the lessons learned from the
CONTINUED NUCLEUS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 17

existing fleet. Next generation and ad- utilities and regulators worldwide en- FLEX equipment or Emergency Miti- to share their equipment if the need
vanced reactor designs include safety deavoured to provide increased capabil- gating Equipment (EME), can be arose. EME/FLEX provides a highly
designs that provide emergency core ity to deal with such events. Utilities highly effective to mitigate BDBAs, beneficial set of options and helps to
cooling and containment features to and regulators conducted assessments particularly extreme natural disaster bridge the gap between installed ac-
deal with beyond design basis accidents and analysis to analyze the capability of events. Portable pumps, generators and cident mitigation capability for DBAs
(BDBAs) and severe accidents, particu- plants to cope with these severe events. uninterruptible power supplies can be at existing plants and the modern ap-
larly those involving a total loss of on- Examples include the use of Review stored on-site, but remote from other proach to accident management.
site electrical power. Existing plants Level Conditions in Canada and the emergency water and power supplies, Procedural changes have also been
must rely on inherent design safety European Union Stress Tests. Nuclear or may also be stored in a centralized made to better address BDBAs. Op-
features and may require modifications safety practitioners have been chal- location, such as the two centers built erating procedures have been extend-
to improve robustness in order to meet lenged to identify those sequences that in the U.S. The physical separation of ed to provide instructions relevant to
modern standards and safety goals. are outside the plant design basis but and independence of EME/FLEX from these types of events. Symptom-based
The initial licensing of nuclear pow- represent those events that could occur the plant and its structures, systems, procedures provide valuable diagnostic
er plants worldwide considered de- due to initiating events or failures not and components provides added con- capability and flexible accident mitiga-
sign basis accidents which ultimately postulated through conventional deter- fidence that an event which disables tion actions to cater to such events.
define the range of analyzed accident ministic safety analysis. While some of all mitigating capability (i.e., similar to Other modifications have been
conditions; these are considered to be these sequences can be defined, such the Fukushima event) would not occur. incorporated worldwide to cater to
the more probable accident sequences. as more challenging seismic events or Centralized FLEX storage sites have BDBAs. These events present unique
These accidents consisted of initiating floods, others cannot be easily defined. been established in the U.S. to pro- challenges for multi-unit containment
events, coupled with a failure of a safe- Most utilities have adopted a combina- vide the ability to deploy resources to designs such as those at the Ontario
ty system that resulted in an accident tion of plant modifications and dedicat- a number of plants within a geographic Power Generation and Bruce Power
with its associated consequences (i.e., ed portable equipment that provide ad- area. This minimizes costs for indi- CANDU stations in Ontario, Canada.
possible radioactive release). While ditional mitigation options for defined vidual plants and maximizes the avail- At these plants, new systems have been
BDBAs, including severe accidents, BDBAs, and even for more extreme ability of equipment for use should the developed and installed for hydro-
were considered in some jurisdictions events whose progression cannot be need arise. Similarly in Canada, sup- gen control (for example, Passive Au-
prior to the Fukushima-Daiichi ac- predicted in advance. port agreements have been reached be- tocatalytic Recombiners). Dedicated
cident in Japan, after the accident, Portable equipment, often called tween utilities and within utility fleets Containment Filtered Venting Systems
CONTINUED NUCLEUS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 18

for BDBAs have also been installed at Enhancements that provide robust ca- to maximize return on investment. is assessed. These consequences are
certain plants and new techniques for pability for fuel cooling without reli- Utilities typically employ cost-benefit monetized and consider injuries and
depressurizing containment have been ance on in-plant supplies (e.g., EME/ analysis (CBA) tools to assist with this economic losses as well mitigating and
developed. Events that may occur FLEX) and containing the radioactiv- strategy and the prioritization of im- aggravating factors such as atmospheric
from a shutdown or low power state, ity (e.g., procedural enhancements, provements. The CBA process provides dispersion. By interrogating the plant
or events affecting multiple units or containment venting systems, hydro- for a structured and systematic ap- Level 1 PSA to identify risk-dominant
multiple stations are now considered gen control measures) help to maintain proach for evaluating alternatives and sequences, high-value opportunities
in accident management guidance and these safety principles for BDBAs and ensures that the costs of implementing can be determined. Utilizing the Level
emergency procedures. serve to mitigate the consequences of proposed alternatives are commensu- 3 PSA where available, these “offsets”
The Fukushima event also taught such events. rate with the benefits gained. of plant risk can be directly correlated
the nuclear industry that attention There are many established meth- to economic benefit. Utilizing the re-
must be given to irradiated fuel bays SAFETY IMPROVEMENT odologies for quantifying and ranking sults of these interrogations and poten-
during extended periods without pow- OPPORTUNITIES AND PRIORITIZATION safety improvements; most utilities tial risk benefit, conceptual options can
er for cooling and water makeup. The Compliance with modern codes will employ plant Probabilistic Safety be quantitatively evaluated and ranked,
effects of hydrogen accumulation and and standards, as well as meeting more Analysis (PSA) models to provide key providing a valuable tool to utilities
bay boil off are severe, and although stringent safety goals is likely to require insights; typically at least a Level 1 and when prioritizing capital investments
events tend to develop slower than re- significant capital investment by opera- Level 2 PSA will have been conduct- in their plants.
actor events, mitigation actions can also tors of most plants. Environmental re- ed. A Level 1 PSA is intended to esti- The benefits realized from a safety
be very challenging. quirements also play a significant role mate the frequency of core damage and improvement opportunity (SIO) are
While the concepts of BDBA and for continued operation. Generally, en- models all safety functions and postu- typically estimated by calculating the
Severe Accident mitigation represent vironmental and safety considerations lated failures, whereas a Level 2 PSA monetary value of the consequences
a new evolution in accident manage- have a strong correlation; an improve- is intended to estimate the radioactive averted by reducing the frequencies of
ment, the overall principles remain ment in one often improves aspects of release magnitude and timing by ana- the Fuel Damage Categories (FDCs)
consistent with longstanding nuclear the other. Safety improvements and lyzing accident progression phenome- and Release Categories (RCs) impacted
safety principles. Controlling reac- upgrades form a large portion of capital nology. Some plants may also develop a by the SIO. FDCs and RCs are cat-
tively, cooling the fuel, and containing investment for plant life extensions and Level 3 PSA for which the effect of the egories of consequences dictated by the
the radioactivity remain fundamental. should be carefully strategized in order postulated release and plant damage Level 1 and Level 2 PSAs, respectively;
CONTINUED NUCLEUS
NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 19

CLEAN ENERGY
certain jurisdictions may use other development, funding approval, design
terminology for these quantities but and implementation as appropriate.
the intent is the same. The benefits

FOR THE FUTURE


are compared against the costs associ- CONCLUSIONS
ated with implementing the change to The nuclear power industry is faced
determine the acceptability of the SIO with an appropriately high degree of
based on acceptance criteria such as a public and regulator scrutiny. Contin- www.nuclearpowerinternational.com
benefit-cost ratio greater than one. It ued safety improvements are key to
is possible to help increase the benefit- maintaining public trust and reduce
cost ratio by considering non-safety the likelihood and severity of possible
aspects such as improved economic accidents. Watershed events such as the
risk. Any modification which may re- Fukushima-Daiichi accident threaten
duce the forced loss rate, increase gen- to shake public confidence and it is up
erator output, decrease maintenance or to the regulators and industry world-
operator burden, or minimize outage wide to provide transparency, educa-

SAVE THE DATE


duration can be highly beneficial and tion and appropriate improvements to
provides added justification for gain- maintain and improve safety margin
ing even a modest safety improvement. against safety goals. Life extensions DECEMBER 13–15, 2016
The CBA is usually expressed in terms provide a unique opportunity to ex-
ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER | ORLANDO, FL USA
of total estimated benefits, total esti- amine risk significance and develop
mated costs, net present value of the appropriate safety improvements to
SIO and the overall benefit-cost ratio. better attain and surpass safety goals.
A good CBA considers the entire life Effective assessment of options and OWNED PRESENTED BY: SUPPORTED BY:
& PRODUCED BY:
cycle of the SIO, including any asso- planning of safety improvements is
ciated ongoing deltas in maintenance critical to the success of any nuclear
or decommissioning. Favourable op- plant life extension and long term eco-
tions are then progressed for further nomic viability. CO-LOCATED WITH:
Plan today to attend NUCLEAR POWER International in Orlando, Florida, NUCLEAR EVENTS
U.S.A., Dec. 13-15, 2016. Register at www.nuclearpowerinternational.com. NUCLEAR POWER INTERNATIONAL > JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 20

S M T W TH F S

8-11 EPRI: Nuclear Power Council Advisory Meeting 18-19 EPRI: Maintenance Rule Users Group Winter 2016
1 2 3 4 5
FEBRUARY 2016 JW Marriott Austin, Austin, Texas
http://www.cvent.com/events/nuclear-power-council-advisory-
Arizona Public Service - Palo Verde
Energy Education Center, Buckeye, Arizona
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 meeting/event-summary-fb60fb7e73b844da832f47ef56da4b99.aspx http://www.cvent.com/events/maintenance-rule-users-group-winter-2016/
event-summary-b9a758da7448471e9c8a8c8069910974.aspx
9-10 NEI: National Operator Licensing
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 WorkshopAgency / IAEA 22-24 EPRI: Flow-Accelerated Corrosion Program Owner Training
InterContinental Hotel Tampa, Tampa, Florida EPRI Charlotte Office, Charlotte, North Carolina
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 http://www.nei.org/Conferences/National-Examiners-Workshop http://www.cvent.com/events/flow-accelerated-corrosion-program-owner-
training-formerly-flow-accelerated-corrosion-201-training-c/event-summary-
15-16 EPRI: Boiling Water Reactor Chemistry
27 28 29 Technical Strategy Group
a1dd77304d444a61acdb4001c90a1a82.aspx
Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel, St. Petersburg, Florida
22-26 IAEA: International Conference on Human & Organizational
http://www.cvent.com/events/boiling-water-reactor-chemistry-technical-
Aspects of Assuring Nuclear Safety - Exploring 30 Years of
strategy-group/event-summary-1928bed9a726445c96d88adf2e818
Safety Culture
aa6.aspx
Vienna, Austria
17-18 EPRI Power Plant Process http://www-pub.iaea.org/iaeameetings/50800/International-Conference-on-
Water Treatment Conference Human-and-Organizational-Aspects-of-Assuring-Nuclear-Safety-Exploring-
Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel 30-Years-of-Safety-Culture
St. Petersburg, Florida
http://www.cvent.com/events/epri-power-plant-process-water-treatment-
conference-formerly-known-as-epri-condensate-polishing-conf/event-summary-
f765e10b65d149d2a62f783fa7169bbf.aspx

S M T W TH F S

1-3 NEI: Cyber Security Implementation Workshop 22-24 EPRI: Pressurized Water Reactor Secondary Water
1 2 3 4 5
MARCH 2016 Westin Seattle, Seattle, Washington
http://www.nei.org/Conferences/Cyber-Security-Implementation-Workshop
chemistry Guidelines Revision 8 Meeting #3
EPRI-Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 http://www.cvent.com/events/pressurized-water-reactor-secondary-
14-18 EPRI International Foreign Materials Exclusion water-chemistry-guidelines-revision-8-meeting-3/event-summary-
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Coordinators Training and Workshop 50505e0d3cd2475aab46794e4fdabd8e.aspx
Ringhals Nuclear Power Plant, Varobacka, Sweden
http://www.cvent.com/events/epri-international-foreign-materials- 29-31 EPRI: 2016 International ChemWorks Workshop
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 exclusion-coordinators-training-and-workshop/event-summary- EDF R&D, MAI Building, Moret-Sur-Loing, France
e394040d34704010ada0ac8327e2e62f.aspx http://www.cvent.com/events/2016-international-chemworks-workshop/
27 28 29 30 31 event-summary-702030aa8ce74d3089a36323c46779dc.aspx
15-17 EPRI 2016 Generation Australian
Workshop and User Group Meeting
Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove
Sanctuary Cove, Australia
http://www.cvent.com/events/epri-2016-generation-australian-
workshop-and-user-group-meeting/event-summary-7973a415478d463
19b2348633c9efe39.aspx

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