Indian Point-2 to power down for good today

What they’re saying: “Over the last 45 years, thousands of dedicated professionals have operated Unit 2 at Indian Point—safely, securely, and reliably,” said Chris Bakken, Entergy’s chief nuclear officer, in a company press release. “We owe each of them our thanks for a job well done and for their commitment to the highest standards of professionalism.”

Context: The shutdown of both operating units (Units 2 and 3) at the Buchanan, N.Y., plant was announced in 2017, pursuant to a settlement agreement with the state of New York. (Indian Point-1 was shut down in October 1974.) Entergy agreed to the eventual closure of the reactors in large part because of sustained low current and projected wholesale energy prices that reduced revenues, according to the release. Currently, more than 40 employees from the plant have accepted offers to continue with Entergy in other locations, the company said.

What’s next: In April 2019, Entergy announced the proposed post-shutdown sale of the subsidiaries that own Units 1, 2, and 3 to a Holtec International subsidiary. Holtec and its team plan to initiate decommissioning at Indian Point promptly, following regulatory approvals and the transaction’s close in 2021. Through its affiliate Comprehensive Decommissioning International, Holtec will hire Entergy employees at Indian Point who have been selected for “Phase 1” of decommissioning, Entergy reports.

Background: Entergy owns and operates Covert, Mich.’s Palisades nuclear plant, which is slated for retirement in 2022. Entergy also owns and operates four nuclear power facilities in its regulated service territory: Arkansas Nuclear One, in Russellville, Ark.; Grand Gulf, in Port Gibson, Miss.; River Bend, in St. Francisville, La.; and Waterford, in Killona, La. The company has stated that it is committed to the continued operation of those four plants.