NRC approves FitzPatrick nuclear plant license transfer

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently approved the transfer of the operating license of the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant in New York State from Entergy Nuclear Operations to Exelon Generation Co.

The transfer will become effective March 31 and includes the spent fuel storage installation on the plant grounds. In its
review of the license transfer application, NRC staff determined that Exelon is technically and fiscally capable of operating the facility, has satisfied decommissioning funding assurance requirements, and is not owned, controlled, or dominated by a foreign entity.

“Today is an exciting day for Oswego County as operation of the Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power plant transfers from Entergy to Exelon”, U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) said. “With the plant now back at full operating capacity, I will continue to do everything I can to support clean, dependable nuclear power and the hundreds of hardworking men and women working at FitzPatrick.”
In January 2016, Entergy said it would no longer operate the plant due to economic conditions. After the New York Public Service Commission approved zero-emission credits for nuclear power plants, Exelon agreed to purchase the facility. The companies jointly applied for the license transfer on Aug. 18, 2016.

FitzPatrick, a boiling-water reactor, is situated near Lake Ontario in Scriba, New York, approximately six miles northeast of Oswego. Its operating license extends through Oct. 17, 2034.