Nuclear Energy: Columbia Generating Station

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Columbia Generating Station is the northwest's only commercial nuclear energy facility and is the third largest electricity generator in Washington state, behind Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph dams.

Carbon-free

Columbia produces millions of megawatts of carbon-free electricity each year. 

Nuclear energy is the largest source of clean electricity in the U.S., accounting for more than half of all carbon-free electricity generated.

Available 24/7​​

Columbia is a reliable, baseload (full-time) energy source that is not dependent on weather conditions. 

Refueling occurs every other year and is scheduled when springtime water conditions in the Columbia River Basin are typically high, allowing the federal hydropower dams to produce ample power.​

Integrates with renewables

Columbia operates at 100% power, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but has the ability to load follow, or reduce power, when requested by Bonneville Power Administration for grid stability, hydroelectric system management, periods of high wind or economic considerations.

During hot and cold months, when the wind is typically not blowing, BPA may also request a "no t​ouch"  because of the increased demand for electricity or availability of other resources.

Vital to a clean energy future

Nearly 20% of our nation’s electricity comes from the 93 operating nuclear facilities throughout the United States.

The nationwide push for carbon-free electricity and federal and private investment in the development of small modular reactors have resulted in further consideration of nuclear power as a generation resource.

Cost-Effective 

All of Columbia's electricity is provided at cost to the Bonneville Power Administration under a formal net billing agreement. 

Learn more

Video: Inside Columbia Generating Station



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About Columbia Generating Station

Type: General Electric boiling water reactor

Generation: 1,207 megawatts (gross)

Location: 10 miles north of Richland, Washington

Site size: ~ 1,089 acres

​History

Construction Permit Issued: March 1973

NRC Issued Operating License: December 1983

First Electricity Produced: May 1984

Commercial Operation: December 1984

First Refueling Completed: April 1986

Operating License Expiration: December 2043


Learn more

Nuclear Energy 101