LaSalle County nuclear plant Unit 1 back up after refueling outage

The LaSalle County nuclear plant, near Marseilles, Illinois, recently returned Unit 1 to full power following a scheduled outage for refueling and maintenance that saw workers perform more than 12,600 inspections, maintenance activities and updates since Feb. 15.

“The work performed during this outage will help us provide the region with around-the-clock electricity for the 24-month operating cycle,” LaSalle Station Site Vice President Bill Trafton said. “This will help keep homes cool during the summer heat and warm during the frigid Illinois winter.”

The station, operated by Exelon, routinely updates equipment to ensure everything is using the latest technology. Approximately 2,000 temporary employees brought on from local union halls bolstered LaSalle’s 800 employees to ensure that all activities were carried out efficiently. Exelon also deployed 300 technical experts from other facilities. The additional workers provided Marseilles with an economic boost, promoting local businesses such as hotels and restaurants.

The facility can create enough energy to power 2 million U.S. homes, or 2,300 megawatts of electricity, when both of its reactors are at full power. Combined with Exelon’s five other nuclear facilities in Illinois, the plant creates roughly 90 percent of the state’s carbon-free electricity.