Press Release-16-023, NRC Approves Power Uprate for Catawba Nuclear Power Plant

Press Release-16-023: NRC Approves Power Uprate for Catawba Nuclear Power Plant

ML16125A110
Person / Time
Site:	Catawba
Issue date:	05/04/2016
From:	Office of Public Affairs
To:
References
Press Release-16-023
Download: ML16125A110 (1)

Text

No: 16-023 May 4, 2016 CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200 NRC Approves Power Uprate for Catawba Nuclear Power Plant The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a request by Duke Energy to increase the generating capacity of Catawba Nuclear Station Unit 1 by 1.7 percent.

The NRC staff found that Duke Energy could safely increase the reactors output primarily through more accurate means of measuring feedwater flow. The staff determination was based on its review of Duke Energys evaluations showing the plants design can handle the increased power level.

The NRC safety evaluation of the plants proposed power uprate focused on several areas, including the nuclear steam supply systems, instrumentation and control systems, electrical systems, accident evaluations, radiological consequences, fire protection, operations and training, testing, and technical specification changes. For added confidence in the analysis, the NRC staff also conducted independent calculations and evaluations of selected areas.

The power uprate for the Catawba plant, located approximately 18 miles south of Charlotte, N.C., will increase Unit 1s generating capacity from approximately 1,167 to 1,187 megawatts electric.

Duke Energy intends to implement the uprate in May 2016.

The NRC previously published a notice about the power uprate application on Nov. 4, 2014, providing the public an opportunity to comment or request a hearing. The agencys evaluation of the Catawba power uprate is available through the NRCs ADAMS electronic document database.

No: 16-023 May 4, 2016 CONTACT: David McIntyre, 301-415-8200 NRC Approves Power Uprate for Catawba Nuclear Power Plant The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a request by Duke Energy to increase the generating capacity of Catawba Nuclear Station Unit 1 by 1.7 percent.

The NRC staff found that Duke Energy could safely increase the reactors output primarily through more accurate means of measuring feedwater flow. The staff determination was based on its review of Duke Energys evaluations showing the plants design can handle the increased power level.

The NRC safety evaluation of the plants proposed power uprate focused on several areas, including the nuclear steam supply systems, instrumentation and control systems, electrical systems, accident evaluations, radiological consequences, fire protection, operations and training, testing, and technical specification changes. For added confidence in the analysis, the NRC staff also conducted independent calculations and evaluations of selected areas.

The power uprate for the Catawba plant, located approximately 18 miles south of Charlotte, N.C., will increase Unit 1s generating capacity from approximately 1,167 to 1,187 megawatts electric.

Duke Energy intends to implement the uprate in May 2016.

The NRC previously published a notice about the power uprate application on Nov. 4, 2014, providing the public an opportunity to comment or request a hearing. The agencys evaluation of the Catawba power uprate is available through the NRCs ADAMS electronic document database.