Press release
Major Upgrades at Constellation Nuclear Stations Ensure Carbon-Free Electricity for 15 Million This Summer
Over 13,000 workers supported maintenance projects during spring refueling outages to keep power supplied 24/7 during hot summer months and beyond
About this update from Constellation Energy Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":"\nOver 13,000 workers supported maintenance projects during spring refueling outages to keep power supplied 24/7 during hot summer months and beyond\n\n WARRENVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nOver 13,000 workers performed technology upgrades and equipment maintenance during six refueling outages at Constellation nuclear plants this spring, investments that will prepare the plants for the hot summer months ahead. The cutting-edge upgrades and preventive maintenance will ensure Constellation’s nuclear fleet, which serves 15 million American homes and businesses, will have access to safe, affordable, carbon-free electricity this summer to help combat any periods of high heat or humidity.\n\nDuring the refueling outages, workers replaced or refurbished dozens of pumps and motors, performed quality assurance inspections on reactor and fuel components, and completed tens of thousands of other technical tasks to ensure the power plants provide uninterrupted carbon-free electricity for up to 24 straight months.\n\n“Constellation is helping accelerate this country’s transition to a carbon-free future and it begins with our zero emissions nuclear fleet running nonstop through the summer,” said Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation. “We met our commitment to operational excellence last winter by keeping our plants running throughout the cold months despite challenging weather conditions. Our investments in the plants this spring will help us maintain that level of performance during the upcoming summer months, as the climate crisis continues to produce extremely hot weather.”\n\nThis summer, nuclear reliability could be especially helpful in moderating electricity prices for Illinois customers. Constellation’s 24/7 carbon-free baseload nuclear power displaces generation from fossil-fuel plants that may experience further spikes in gas and oil costs. This is in addition to the $1 billion credit Constellation’s nuclear plants are projected to deliver for northern Illinois ratepayers as a result of the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act passed last year.\n\nThe refueling outages would not be possible without support from thousands of skilled electricians, pipefitters, welders, carpenters, laborers, steamfitters and other trades people on site performing thousands of inspections, tests and maintenance activities that cannot be done while the unit is on...