First nuclear plant visit for Perry

Friday, 3 August 2018

"Nuclear provides approximately 20% of the electricity generated in the United States. It is one of our most reliable sources of baseload power, and it is also one of our cleanest sources of power, providing about 60% of our carbon-free energy output," Perry said during the visit to Exelon Generation's James A Fitzpatrick nuclear power plant. "At DOE, we're partnering with industry to develop ways to extend the safe and economic lifespan of our nuclear fleet. And together, we're addressing the technical challenges to bringing advanced and innovative technologies to the market."

Exelon CEO Chris Crane said it was an "honour" to welcome Perry, accompanied by Congressman John Katko, to the plant. "They were able to see firsthand how we are investing in our state-of-the-art nuclear facilities and the hardworking men and women who run them at world class levels of safety and operational excellence," he said.

Fitzpatrick had faced premature closure for economic reasons until the state of New York in 2016 adopted a Clean Energy Standard which explicitly recognises its carbon-free generation as critical in enabling it to meet its climate change targets. Exelon purchased the 838 MWe single unit boiling water reactor plant from former owner Entergy last year.