RICHLAND, Wash. – Columbia Generating Station successfully reconnected to the Northwest power grid on June 16 at 5:02 p.m. completing its biennial refueling outage.
Over the last two months, workers completed thousands of tasks and projects, including installing a new adjustable speed drive system, repairing the circulating water basin, electrical generator inspection, and replacing a reactor recirculation pump and motor. Crews also replaced 256 of the 764 nuclear fuel assemblies in Columbia’s reactor core with fresh fuel.
“The work accomplished during this outage enhances Columbia’s reliability and strengthens our mission to provide carbon-free, cost-effective energy,” said Energy Northwest CEO Bob Schuetz. “The team completed an impressive amount of work, and we’re pleased to once again be producing much-needed electricity for the region.”
Columbia is taken offline every two years for refueling, during which fresh nuclear fuel is added to its reactor core so that it can operate for a two-year cycle. Used fuel assemblies from the reactor core, having been in use for six years, are transferred to the adjacent used fuel pool, where they will remain until being moved to Columbia’s on-site dry cask storage. Refueling outages also provide the opportunity to conduct maintenance tasks that can only be performed when the reactor is offline.
Energy Northwest and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) strategically schedule the biennial refueling to align with spring snowmelt and runoff, maximizing hydroelectric output while minimizing the impact of taking Columbia offline. The electricity generated at Columbia Generating Station, located 10 miles north of Richland, is sold at cost to BPA.
About Energy Northwest
Energy Northwest is a Washington state public power joint operating agency and a premier provider of carbon-free electricity. Energy Northwest comprises 29 public power member utilities, serving more than 1.5 million customers, and provides its members and regional customers with safe, reliable, cost-effective, responsible power generation and innovative energy and business solutions. The agency owns and operates hydroelectric, solar, battery storage, wind and the Northwest’s only nuclear power facility. Energy Northwest also actively supports transportation electrification and new generation projects to the benefit of public power.
