Exelon President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Crane announced on Dec. 8 that the company will operate the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Lacey Township until 2019, after which the plant will retire.
The plant is federally licensed to operate until 2029, according to a press release posted on Exelon’s Internet website. The closing will come 10 years prior to the expiration of the plant’s current license.
Oyster Creek began commercial operations in 1969, meaning the plant will have been operating for 50 years at the time it is shuttered.
“The plant faces a unique set of economic conditions and changing environmental regulations that make ending operations in 2019 the best option for the company, employees and shareholders,” Crane said.
A specific retirement date in 2019 has not been set.
According to the press release, the decision is based on the cumulative effect of negative economic factors that has caused Oyster Creek’s value to decline. These factors include low market prices and demand, and the plant’s need for continuing large capital expenditures.
Also, potential additional environmental compliance costs based on evolving water cooling regulatory requirements — at both the federal and state government levels — created significant regulatory and economic uncertainty, according to the company.
Due to Exelon’s decision to retire the plant early, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will not require the company to install cooling towers at Oyster Creek.
The nearly decade-long duration of continued operations ensures a reliable supply of electricity for New Jersey until replacement power can be developed, addresses long-term concerns about using ocean water for plant cooling, and delays any immediate economic impact on Lacey Township, Crane said.
Oyster Creek employs about 700 workers and provides enough around-the-clock electricity for 600,000 New Jersey homes.
Exelon reaffirmed its commitment to running the plant safely and reliably for the remainder of its operational life.
“Our employees take great pride in operating Oyster Creek to the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” Crane said. “Our team of skilled and dedicated employees will continue to operate Oyster Creek well with a strong management team in place and a commitment to being a good corporate neighbor.”
According to the company, Oyster Creek is one of the largest employers in Ocean County, and annually provides more than $70 million in wages, property taxes and purchases of goods and services from New Jersey businesses. The firm said plant employees provide significant philanthropy and volunteer support in the area.
Oyster Creek produces about 6 percent of the state’s electricity while producing no greenhouse gases and at a cost lower than alternatives. According to a 2010 study by the Washington, D.C., economics consulting firm Continental Economics, Oyster Creek in 2009 saved New Jersey consumers $191 million in electricity costs compared to other available generation sources.