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Not needed now? Old Wisconsin nuclear plant with safety issues history

The plant was previously considered to have the most serious safety issues of all nuclear power plants in the country,……. the energy produced at Point Beach may not be necessary for the state.

Life of state’s nuclear plants to be extended Company prolongs operation of aging facility by 20 years; critics say could increase accidents, danger The Badger Herald: NewsBy Christina Spiewak , November 9, 2010

The oldest nuclear power plant in Wisconsin will reach its projected lifespan of 40 years next month, but a nuclear operating group is planning to extend its use by up to 20 years.

Point Beach Power Plant is located north of Milwaukee and is one of three nuclear power plants in Wisconsin, according to NextEra Energies, the Florida-based energy group that owns and operates the plants.

The other two nuclear power plants owned by the company are also nearing 40 years of age — one in Kewaunee and another in Point Beach…….

Katie Nekola, energy program director for Clean Wisconsin, said pushing the aging plants only increases the risk of accidents…… Nekola said the Point Beach Power Plant has seen at least one safety violation each year.

The plant was previously considered to have the most serious safety issues of all nuclear power plants in the country, Nekola said…..Nekola said the energy produced at Point Beach may not be necessary for the state.

Wisconsin has a surplus of electricity, and much of what is produced is sold to other states, Nekola said.

“We are swimming in electric power,” Nekola said.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. produces 2,000 metric tons of radioactive waste annually, which takes thousands of years to break down.

Corradini said the radioactive waste is safely stored in concrete casks on site…..

The Badger Herald: News: Life of state’s nuclear plants to be extended

November 10, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | safety, USA | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear costs, nuclear spin, nuclear weapons, radiation, reactor