News Archive 2005
Indian Point 3
can boost power output
The Journal News
April 7, 2005
The Indian Point 3 nuclear power reactor can safely increase its power output by nearly 5 percent under a plan approved recently by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The plant's owner, Entergy, requested permission to increase its capacity from 979 megawatts to 1,024 megawatts. The plant will produce at full capacity after its returns to operation after re-fueling in spring.
The second active reactor at the Buchanan, Westchester County, plant had its capacity increased from 995 to 1,040 last year.
Entergy must upgrade plant components the NRC considered minor and demonstrate the plant's existing design can handle the increased power level.
The NRC's analysis included an evaluation of its nuclear steam supply systems, instrumentation and control systems, electrical systems, accident evaluations, radiological consequences, operations and other technical specification changes.
The power plants have been the subject of intense controversy, particularly since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City. Opponents have called the plant unsafe and want to see it shut down.