Why is Byron nuclear plant closing?
Pritzker. Exelon is prepared to close the Byron plant in September and the Dresden plant in November because of the nuclear plants’ inability to compete with the cheap power being produced from shale gas, often extracted through hydraulic fracking.
Is the Byron nuclear plant closing?
The latest battle started in Aug. 2020 when Exelon Generation announced that it would to retire two of its Illinois nuclear power plants in fall 2021. Byron was scheduled to close in September 2021 and Dresden would close in November 2021.
Who owns Byron nuclear power?
Constellation Energy Corporation
(WIFR) – Exelon nuclear power plants, including the one in Byron, will now operate under Constellation Energy Corporation. On Wednesday, Constellation completed its separation from Exelon. Constellation is a former subsidiary and power generation/competitive energy business for its parent company.
Is Byron and Dresden closing?
“To be clear, Byron will run out of fuel and will permanently shut down on September 13 unless legislation is enacted,” the spokesperson stated. “We have been clear that we cannot refuel Byron on September 13 or Dresden in November absent policy changes.”
Is Dresden closing?
The utility plans to close its Byron and Dresden nuclear power plants in Illinois as early as this month, short of a new deal to help improved reactor plant economics. Byron Nuclear Generating Station was commissioned in the 1980s, while Dresden began commercial operations in the 1970s.
Is Dresden station closing?
The Dresden power plant in Grundy County is the oldest nuclear station still operating in Illinois. The licenses for Dresden’s two nukes will expire in 2029 and 2031, respectively, which would mean 60 years of service. Now Exelon plans to file for a license renewal that would add 20 years to Dresden’s life.
Which US state has the most nuclear power plants?
Illinois
Illinois, which has the most nuclear reactors (11) and the most nuclear generating capacity (11.6 gigawatts) among states, generated 54% of its in-state generation from nuclear power in 2019.
Is Exelon closing Dresden?
In July, Exelon filed its decommissioning plan with federal regulators. The utility plans to close its Byron and Dresden nuclear power plants in Illinois as early as this month, short of a new deal to help improved reactor plant economics.
When did Byron nuclear plant open?
| Byron Nuclear Generating Station | |
|---|---|
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | April 1, 1975 |
| Commission date | Unit 1: September 16, 1985 Unit 2: August 2, 1987 |
| Construction cost | $4.5 billion (2007 USD) |
Are there nuclear power plants in Illinois?
In Illinois there are eleven operating commercial nuclear power reactors at six sites, generating about 50 percent of the state’s electricity.