Pilgrim Nuclear May Power Down As Temperatures Rise
PLYMOUTH (CBS) -- The lengthy heat wave may force Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station to shut down as the temperature of ocean water used to cool plant systems rises.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station May Close As Temperatures Rise
Pilgrim spokesperson Jim Sinclair told WBZ NewsRadio 1030, if it does get too hot, they have to reduce power.
"All power plants whether they are nuclear power plants or gas-fire power plant all have limits on the water temperatures they use to cool components inside the plants," Sinclair said.
On Wednesday, the plant did power down briefly.
According to the Cape Cod Times, water being drawn from Cape Cod Bay must be no warmer than 75 degrees.
Thursday afternoon, Pilgrim was closely monitoring the temperatures but remained at full power.
A spokesperson tells WBZ-TV, the electric generation from Pilgrim Station is really needed by the New England power grid.
The plant produces about 680 megawatts of electricity to the New England power grid, which translates into power to about 680,000 homes.
