Entergy faces further delays in relicensing

Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff recently announced delays in the completion of Entergy Corp.’s safety evaluation report related to the license renewal of the company’s two reactors at Buchanan”™s Indian Point Energy Center.

The NRC requested additional information after Entergy completed its first supplement of the safety evaluation report, said NRC spokesperson Neil Sheehan in a written statement. The second supplement will contain information regarding Entergy’s reactor vessel internals aging management program and inspection plan and changes made since the issuance of the first draft of the report.

The second supplement to the safety evaluation report could be issued in early to mid 2014, Sheehan said. The company awaits the second phase of the hearing, which is delayed until the safety evaluation report is completed and all parties submit their contentions.

Entergy, a national energy company, seeks to relicense Indian Point’s two reactors for another 20 years despite opposition from environmental groups and politicians who believe the power plant is outdated, dangerous and need to be shut down.

Entergy first filed for renewal of its licenses in 2007, which makes this the lengthiest relicensing process in American history.

The NRC showed favor in relicensing Entergy’s application and allowed for Indian Point 2 to continue operation under its previous permit after its license expired in September. Indian Point 3’s permit expires December 2015. Entergy, which generates annual revenues exceeding $10 billion, bought unit 2 from Con Edison in 2001 and purchased unit 3 from the New York Power Authority in 2002.

The corporation has invested more than $1 billion to upgrade and enhance its power plants for continued safety in operating another 20 years. The facility employs about 1,600 employees at the Buchanan plant and generates about 25 percent of the power used in New York City and Westchester County.