The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reported the second reactor at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Lusby was shut down during the late evening hours of Wednesday, May 8.
“The Calvert Cliffs 2 nuclear power plant experienced an automatic shutdown at 9:47 last night due to high reactor pressure levels,” stated NRC spokesman Neil Sheehan. “The plant was experiencing a loss of turbine load at the time. The turbine is spun by steam produced in the plant’s steam generators. When it spins, it generates electricity that is then sent out onto the grid. We are continuing to gather more information on what occurred and the company’s response to the event.”
The plant is owned and operated by Constellation Energy Nuclear Group (CENG).
The NRC has two resident inspectors assigned to the plant. Sheehan stated the inspectors will track Constellation’s troubleshooting efforts and any repair plans.
“Operators followed their training and procedures and the plant shut down as expected,” said CENG spokesman Kory Raftery. “The plant is in a stable condition. The plant’s safety equipment and systems responded as designed. The safety of Calvert Cliffs and the public was never threatened due to the shutdown. The cause of the automatic shutdown is still under investigation; however, preliminary information is that it was likely caused by loss of turbine load due to the turbine valves unexpectedly shutting. Unit 2 will be returned to service once work is safely completed, understanding of the factors that caused the automatic shutdown have been identified and systems are tested. Due to market implications, we cannot speculate when full power will be reached.”
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
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