State Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris/Passaic) is calling for an immediate review of whether New Jersey can recommission or replace the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Lacey Township, which was permanently shut down in 2018.
The plant, formerly owned by Exelon and now held by Holtec International, closed one year earlier than required after Exelon opted not to make an estimated $800 million investment in a new cooling tower to meet updated environmental standards. At the time, Oyster Creek had been producing up to 10 percent of New Jersey’s electricity.
Pennacchio questioned why the state has allocated billions in subsidies for offshore wind projects while not exploring a nuclear retrofit. He cited the collapse of the Ørsted offshore wind project, which received more than a billion dollars in subsidies and tax credits, yet never produced electricity.
“New Jersey citizens have never seen an ounce of electricity produced from it,” Pennacchio said.
He also pointed to other stalled initiatives, including the New Jersey Wind Port in Salem County and a related project in Paulsboro, which have cost taxpayers hundreds of millions. The Economic Development Authority is now reviewing alternative uses for the Salem facility.
Pennacchio highlighted the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s recent approval for the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan, also owned by Holtec, to restart operations. He argued that a similar approach should be considered for Oyster Creek.
“Certainly, if Michigan can restart a decommissioned power plant, we should minimally look into it at Oyster Creek,” Pennacchio said. “If not re-starting Oyster Creek, let’s take advantage of the transmission infrastructure and create a new, modern, safe nuclear replacement.”
The senator has written to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the Board of Public Utilities, and the Governor’s Office urging discussions on the issue. He is also preparing legislation to convene stakeholders and determine whether recommissioning or replacing Oyster Creek is feasible.
why, in this article it does not mention Holtec wanting to put four smaller reactors at oyster Creek, including solar panels, and a battery bank.. was locally in the app approximately a week ago… and helping them fast track the project..