PPL Restarts Unit 2 at Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant

Unit 2 at PPL's Susquehanna nuclear power plant resumed generating electricity for the regional electric grid on Wednesday (6/5) following a successful refueling and maintenance outage that included extensive inspections and plant improvements. "The major investments we made and continue to make during refueling outages reflect our long-term commitment to the safe and reliable operation of the plant," said Timothy S. Rausch, senior vice president and Chief Nuclear Officer for PPL Susquehanna. "There is a tremendous amount of work that takes place during a refueling and maintenance outage," Rausch said. "Planning begins at least a year in advance, and the outage itself transforms the site and offers a significant boost to the local economy." PPL employees and more than 1,000 supplemental workers replaced about 40 percent of the Unit 2 reactor fuel during the outage. They performed extensive inspections and testing of plant equipment, systems and technology. They inspected and replaced several pieces of the unit's turbine assembly, making improvements that address turbine blade issues that have affected the plant in recent years. In addition, crews replaced a 24-ton motor and pump that helps circulate coolant water through the reactor. PPL continually invests in plant equipment