30 Aug (NucNet): Entergy will close and begin decommissioning the single-unit Vermont Yankee nuclear plant by the fourth quarter of 2014 due to financial considerations that have made the facility uneconomical to operate, the company said.
Entergy said it plans to stop producing power at the unit after its current fuel cycle ends, adding that it will place the 605-megawatt boiling water reactor in safe storage (Safstor) pending full decommissioning.
The Safstor method of decommissioning means the facility is maintained and monitored in a safe condition and the decontamination and dismantling of the station occurs later.
Entergy said financial considerations included low natural gas prices and wholesale energy prices.
The company also highlighted the high cost structure for the plant, which began commercial operation in 1972.
Since 2002, Entergy has invested more than 400 million US dollars (299 million euros) in the operation of the plant. In addition, the financial impact of cumulative regulation is “especially challenging” to a small plant.
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To contact the editor responsible for this story: David Dalton at david.dalton@nucnet.org
