Entergy to install diesel backup power source at Indian Point 2

Entergy to install diesel backup power source at Indian Point 2
By GREG CLAYTHE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: June 22, 2007)
BUCHANAN -Energy Nuclear Northeast committed yesterday to installing a diesel backup power source for Indian Point 2, clearing the way for federal regulators to accept the nuclear plants' application to operate for an additional 20 years.
On Monday, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission sent a letter to officials from Energy Nuclear Northeast, which owns and operates Indian Point, saying that the relicensing application was incomplete and could not be accepted for review without more information.
Specifically, the regulatory agency wanted Energy to provide details on a natural gas-powered backup system or commit officially to installing a diesel system within a year.
Yesterday, Energy officials said they would do the latter.
"It simply boiled down to committing to install the backup diesel generator by a certain date, which we easily and gladly provided," said Energy spokesman Jim Streets.
NRC officials had given the nuclear plant 14 days to respond.
"The response from Energy was prompt," said NRC spokesman Neil Sheehan. "Now it will be up to us to review their submittal."
He said if the company doesn't deliver the new diesel system by next April 30, it could affect the agency's relicensing decision.
The highly technical relicensing process includes an in-depth review of whether the plant can operate for an additional 20 years. Energy provided information in the application on the proposed backup power, but neglected to include information about the current system.
Indian Point 3 already uses diesel power for its backup system, which is used in the event of a power outage to safely shut down the nuclear reactor.
Indian Point 2's license would be extended 20 years to 2033 and Indian Point 3's to 2035 if the joint application is approved by the NRC in the next 22 to 30 months.
The NRC routinely accepts relicensing applications within 45-60 days of submission after an initial review. The application was received April 30.
The NRC plans to hold two meetings Wednesday to inform the public about the license-review process. The meetings will be held at 1:30 and 7 p.m. at Colonial Terrace, a catering hall in Cortlandt.