TVA Submits License Renewal Application for Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant
Jan. 7, 2004
ATHENS, Ala. — TVA has submitted an application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a 20-year renewal of the operating licenses for three reactors at Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant.
If the NRC approves the application, it will allow TVA to continue production of power from the North Alabama facility until 2033, 2034, and 2036 for units 1, 2, and 3, respectively.
“This comprehensive application provides the NRC with the basis for our conclusions that these units can continue to operate safely throughout the renewal term,” said TVA Chief Nuclear Officer John Scalice.
In May 2002, the TVA Board approved extending the operation of all three Browns Ferry units and the refurbishment and restart of Browns Ferry Unit 1, saying it was the best business decision for TVA and the Tennessee Valley in terms of power supply, delivered cost of power, generation mix and environmental concerns.
Operating all three units at Browns Ferry for an additional 20 years can reduce TVA’s delivered cost of power relative to the market, which gives TVA more financial flexibility for the future.
The NRC typically requires about two years to complete its review of license renewal applications. The NRC has approved license renewal for 23 reactors in the United States since the first renewal was granted in 2000. The NRC is reviewing applications for 12 other reactors, not including the Browns Ferry application.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely
self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors
that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states.
Media Contact:
Craig Beasley, Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant (256-729-7698) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
