Nuclear reactors prove resilient to Hurricane Florence

Though more than 1 million customers in North and South Carolina lost power at the height of Hurricane Florence’s press into the United States, nuclear facilities emerged unscathed.

“Nuclear power plants are among the most hardened and secure facilities in the United States,” Maria Korsnick, Nuclear Energy Institute president and CEO, said. “In addition, our employees’ dedication to rigorous training, attention to safety and continuous improvement ensures that the resilience of these facilities is second to none. In the face of natural disasters, our nuclear fleet remains a critical part of the national electric infrastructure.”

With no damage or safety issues reported by such facilities over the course of the storm, they have been able to help accelerate power restoration in storm-ravaged communities. Duke Energy Corp’s Brunswick Nuclear Plant was the only plant to shut down in anticipation of the storm, and that was a matter of protocol. Others remained operational at full power.

“Resilience also means that our nuclear plants are ready to provide electricity as soon as restoration efforts ensure the power grid is able to accept it…The nuclear industry continues to provide secure, reliable power for hospitals, first responders and all the vital services so needed by these recovering communities,” Korsnick said.