Upgrades To Plant Hatch Unit 1 Enhance The Production Of Low-Cost, Carbon-Free Electricity, Protect Against Extreme Events
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Unit 1 of the Edwin I. Hatch Electric Generating Plant near Baxley, Ga., has safely resumed generating electricity following completion of a scheduled refueling and maintenance outage. Plant operators safely took the unit offline on Feb. 8. Electricity production resumed on Friday, March 4 at 7:45 p.m. ET. As Unit 1 returns to full power, operators will perform a sequence of fuel rod pattern adjustments. Fuel rod pattern adjustments are required in boiling water reactors following deep down powers and outages to ensure the most efficient use of nuclear fuel. In addition to refueling the reactor and performing regular maintenance and testing, workers made upgrades to plant systems and components to enhance efficiency and reliability. "Safety is our top priority, and our team is to be commended for completing this outage safely and efficiently," said Plant Hatch Vice President David Vineyard. "The work we perform during our outages is a significant investment in our facility. Unit 1 is positioned not just for the next 24 months, but for years of continued safe and reliable electricity production." During the outage, employees completed the requirements for FLEX, the nuclear industry's flexible, diverse coping strategy to protect U.S. plants against extreme events. "With back-up emergency equipment purchased and stored in the plant's dome – and plant modifications, procedures and training in place – Hatch Unit 1 now has full capability to mitigate extreme events," said David Gambrell, Southern Nuclear's Severe Accident Management Director. "If Hatch experienced an earthquake, a tornado or a flood, we can safely shut down and keep the reactor core and spent nuclear fuel cool. Thanks to FLEX, Plant Hatch – as well as our neighbors and our employees – are safer than ever before." Employees from across the Southern Nuclear fleet assisted Hatch's staff of more than 900 in the refueling effort. Approximately 800 additional workers from General Electric, Day and Zimmerman, and other partners performed specialized tasks. These supplemental workers provided economic stimulus to surrounding communities during their stay in the area. The last refueling outage for Unit 1 was completed in spring 2014. Hatch Unit 2 continued to safely generate electricity while Unit 1 was offline for the refueling. About Southern Nuclear: About Southern Company: Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080801/SOCOLOGO SOURCE Southern Company For further information: Southern Nuclear Communications - Media line, 205-992-5395
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