U.S. nuclear facilities stand up to Hurricane SandyNuclear facilities have proven resilient In the eye of Hurricane Sandy, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute. In Sandy's path were 34 nuclear plants that had undergone comprehensive advance planning and preparation to maintain safety against high winds, flooding and grid disturbances. Reactor operators and emergency response personnel stationed at the plants throughout the storm were able to take actions to protect the power plants and surrounding communities. Of the 34 nuclear facilities from South Carolina to Vermont, 24 continued to operate safely and generate electricity, three were safely shut down in New Jersey and New York due to storm conditions and seven were previously shut down for refueling or inspection. "Our facilities' ability to weather the strongest Atlantic tropical storm on record is due to rigorous precautions taken in advance of the storm. In the days prior to Sandy storming the Atlantic coast, nuclear plant operators took a series of actions outlined in their emergency preparedness plans," said Marvin S. Fertel, president and Chief Executive Officer at the Nuclear Energy Institute. "These include securing or moving any equipment that could possibly become airborne due to high winds and verifying that weather-tight doors and water intakes are prepared. Each plant site also has numerous emergency backup diesel generators that are tested and ready to provide electricity for critical operations if electric power from the grid is lost." As a precaution, a reactor will be shut down at least two hours before the onset of hurricane-force winds at the site, typically between 70 and 75 miles per hour. If there is a loss of off-site power during or following a hurricane, reactors automatically shut down as a precaution and the emergency backup diesel generators will begin operating to provide electrical power to plant safety systems. For more: Related Articles: |