Where is byron generating station

Exelon Generation responded to the passage of a new subsidy bill for its nuclear power plants Monday by saying it will refuel the Byron and Dresden generation stations which were scheduled for closure this month. Nuclear power plants are generally older and much more expensive to operate, but also offer carbon-free electricity generation. The new legislation also plans for a scale-up in renewable generation including wind and solar.

The compromise also keeps some coal-fired plants in operation to lessen negative job impacts and provide some grid resiliency, but will require stricter emissions controls. Its massive twin cooling towers reach feet into the air, overlooking the scenic Rock River Valley. The site has two pressurized water reactors designed by Westinghouse. Units 1 and 2 began commercial operation on September 16, , and August 2, , respectively. Every safety system has at least one independent back-up system and many have more than one.

Plant safety systems are also run by multiple, redundant power sources. Certain equipment is designed to automatically shut down the plant if the need arises due to a condition outside of normal operations. Before they become Exelon employees, job applicants must pass thorough background checks.

Exelon Nuclear then invests in training programs - both initial training and continuous programs for existing, experienced operations staff. Initial training includes 12 weeks in the classroom, 25 weeks in the control room simulator and 16 weeks of on-the-job training. Once an employee is licensed by the NRC, that operator will continually train by spending one week in a control room simulator for every five weeks spent on shift in the control room.

Even our most senior reactor operators receive training every six weeks, for a total of 8. But labor and backers of renewable energy remain divided over the deadline for phasing out energy plants fired by carbon-emitting coal and natural gas.

Being at the mercy of the larger fight is frustrating for Lynde, the Byron school board president. Sign up for our morning newsletter to get all of our stories delivered to your mailbox each weekday.

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