Energy Secretary Perry makes first visit to nuclear plant

U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry traveled to Oswego, New York, Thursday to tour Exelon Generation’s James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant, his first visit to a nuclear power plant as Secretary of Energy.

At the plant, Perry also participated in an energy roundtable discussion with U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY), Exelon CEO Chris Crane, industry executives, and employees as well as community leaders.

“Nuclear provides approximately 20 percent of the electricity generated in the United States,” Perry said. “It is one of our most reliable sources of baseload power, and it is also one of our cleanest sources of power, providing about 60 percent of our carbon-free energy output. At DOE, we’re partnering with industry to develop ways to extend the safe and economic lifespan of our nuclear fleet. And together, we’re addressing the technical challenges to bringing advanced and innovative technologies to the market.”

The James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant generates 838 megawatts of energy. It is one of the 99 reactors in the United States that provide approximately 20 percent of the total electricity generated in the United States.

“It was an honor to welcome Secretary Perry and Congressman Katko to FitzPatrick today,” Crane said. “They were able to see firsthand how we are investing in our state of the art nuclear facilities and the hardworking men and women who run them at world class levels of safety and operational excellence.”