NB Power Update On Point Lepreau Nuclear Power Plant - Nov. 02, 2012
NB Power receives last regulatory restart approval, continues final commissioning activities
The Point Lepreau nuclear power plant in New Brunswick has received its last regulatory restart approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), it was announced on Friday.
Approval was given for NB Power to increase reactor power at the Point Lepreau Generating Station above 35-percent of full power.
NB Power said the final commissioning steps include tests that involve raising and lowering reactor power, and connecting and disconnecting the generator from the grid.
Once returned to service, the station will contribute to the provincial goal of having as much as 75 per cent of the electricity used in New Brunswick coming from clean, renewable or non-emitting sources by 2020.
The 660 megawatt station will be a baseload contributor to the New Brunswick grid, producing enough electricity to power more than 333,000 homes per year for the next 25 to 30 years.
The commission said it will continue to monitor the remaining commissioning activities as well as station operations.
