Calvert Cliffs Unit 1 reactor shut down for refueling, maintenance, tests

Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant
Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant | Courtesy of Exelon Corp.

Unit 1 at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant near Lusby, Maryland, was taken offline on Monday for scheduled refueling and maintenance service this week.

“Scheduled refueling outages allow us to update equipment, ensuring the plant uses the most up-to-date technology,” Site Vice President George Gellrich said. “To complete this important work, more than 1,500 additional nuclear professionals will be on site, providing a crucial boost to the local economy during the winter season.”

Approximately one-third of nuclear fuel at the facility will be replaced. While the unit is offline, plant staff and contracted workers will perform maintenance and repair operations that can't be done safely while the reactor is operational. The outage also will allow teams to carry out necessary tests and other inspections to ensure the plant is operating within federal regulations.

The company did not indicate when the plant will return to service, but Unit 2 will remain in operation while the outage work is being completed.

The plant is owned by Exelon Corp., and when it is in full operation, it can generate up to approximately 1,756 megawatts between both reactors.