PSEG Power is a multi-regional energy supply company that integrates the operations of its merchant nuclear and fossil generating assets with its power marketing businesses and fuel supply functions
PSEG Nuclear implements enhanced protocols. (Credit: PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay.)
PSEG Nuclear’s Salem Unit 2 entered its planned refueling and maintenance outage on April 11, 2020, when operators safely removed the unit from the regional power grid. Salem 2 is one of three nuclear units operated by PSEG in Salem County, New Jersey. Collectively, the three nuclear units produce roughly 40% of the state’s electricity and more than 90% of its carbon-free energy. A refueling and maintenance outage is a multi-week, comprehensive procedure during which thousands of inspections, surveillances and maintenance activities are performed.
At PSEG, the health and safety of our employees, contractors and communities are paramount. Accordingly, PSEG has implemented a number of new protocols and precautions and is adjusting its operations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In addition, in an effort to minimize the length and number of on-site staff required for this outage, PSEG has evaluated the outage schedule and is focused on work necessary to ensure safe, reliable operations for the next operating cycle. Certain types of discretionary work that is normally spread over years and is not critical to ensuring safe, reliable operations is being postponed during this outage. In making these decisions, PSEG has thoroughly reviewed industry guidance and is confident the changes will not impact plant reliability.
“Refueling and planned maintenance are an important part of the ongoing efficient operation of nuclear plants, including ours that supply the reliable, clean energy that New Jersey relies on,” said PSEG Nuclear President and Chief Nuclear Officer Eric Carr. “In these challenging times, the dependability of nuclear’s carbon-free electricity – to power our homes, hospitals and our lives – is critical.”
In order to meet the refueling and maintenance deliverables and execute the sophisticated tasks pertaining to the outage, PSEG continues to rely on trade workers from close to a dozen unions to join the PSEG employees on day-to-day operations. The enhanced protocols, from training to screenings, also apply to our outstanding union and contractor support.
Source: Company Press Release