Entergy and Holtec request transfer of Indian Point to Holtec to accelerate decommissioning
Entergy Corporation and Holtec International recently requested to transfer the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licenses for the Indian Point Energy Center to Holtec following the permanent shutdown of the plant’s last unit.
Following regulatory approvals and transaction close, Holtec expects it would initiate decommissioning at Indian Point as much as 40 years earlier than if Entergy continued to own the units.
The last unit at Indian Point is scheduled for permanent shutdown by April 30, 2021.
“Holtec’s plan to accelerate the decommissioning schedule provides the potential for site redevelopment decades sooner than if Entergy continued to own the facility, which is good news for the local community,” Entergy Executive Vice President of Nuclear Operations and Chief Nuclear Officer Chris Bakken said. “Holtec plans to begin the decommissioning process promptly upon taking ownership, and as part of the agreement between the companies, will provide job opportunities for more than 300 of our current employees who want to remain in the region and continue to work at the site.”
The companies requested that the NRC approve the License Transfer Application by November 2020 to facilitate a transaction closing by May 2021.
“This key regulatory filing is an important first step to beginning a new future for Indian Point and the local community,” Holtec President and CEO Dr. Kris Singh said. “By beginning decommissioning earlier, Holtec will be able to maintain and create new jobs and work towards releasing the plant site earlier so it can be repurposed and generate replacement tax revenue on an earlier schedule.”
The companies also filed a petition with the New York Public Service Commission requesting a ruling disclaiming PSC jurisdiction or abstaining from reviewing the proposed transaction, or an order approving the proposed transaction.
