2021 MEDIA GUIDE Duke Energy Nuclear - Duke Energy | News Center
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021 MEDIA GUIDE Duke Energy Nuclear
Contents
Overview............................................................ 1 About Nuclear Power...........................................7
Visiting a Duke Energy Nuclear Facility..................3 Value of Nuclear Energy................................... 7
Duke Energy Education Centers......................... 3 Safety and Security of Nuclear Stations.............. 7
News Media Contacts..........................................4
Nuclear Power Generation................................ 8
Duke Energy and Nuclear Site Media Relations
Contact Information..................................... 4 Glossary of Nuclear Terms..................................12
Emergency Planning............................................5 Energy Education Websites.................................13
Key Emergency Planning Terms......................... 6 Nuclear Emergency Classifications......................14
This Media Guide is intended to serve as a reference
for Duke Energy’s nuclear facilities. Additionally, this Overview
guide provides an overview of nuclear generation, Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered
the benefits of nuclear power, safety and security, in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy
emergency planning, nuclear operations, used nuclear holding companies in the U.S., supplying and
fuel, radiation and other related topics. delivering energy to approximately 7.7 million retail
Duke Energy is committed to the safe operation of electric customers and more than 1.6 million gas-
its nuclear fleet. Our goal is to protect the health distribution customers.
and safety of our neighbors, employees and the Duke Energy operates 11 nuclear units at six sites
environment, as well as provide accurate information in the Carolinas. The combined generating capacity
to the news media and public. of these facilities is nearly 11,000 megawatts.
Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet generates approximately
You can reach Duke Energy 24 half of the electricity provided to its customers in the
Carolinas, with production costs among the lowest in
hours a day through our Media Line: the nation.
800.559.3853 (DUKE).
The mission of Duke Energy’s Nuclear Generation
organization is to generate clean, life-essential
This Media Guide provides information that can help electricity around-the-clock to power the lives of our
you when covering Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet or communities. Our stations are designed, built and
the nuclear industry. We recognize the challenges operated for safety and security, with multiple barriers
of covering news related to nuclear energy, and we and redundant safety systems to protect the public,
appreciate your important role in providing timely and station workers and the environment.
accurate information to the public.
Nuclear energy has been a part of Duke Energy’s
Should an emergency occur at any of our nuclear diverse fuel mix for 50 years, setting industry
stations, you can reach Duke Energy for information benchmarks for safety, reliability and efficiency. Harris
by calling 800.559.3853 (DUKE). If needed, a Nuclear Plant, McGuire Nuclear Station and Oconee
media center would be opened based on the location Nuclear Station feature energy education centers,
of the affected station. which serve as strong links between the stations and
neighboring communities.
Thank you for taking time to review the Duke Energy
Nuclear Media Guide. If you have any questions
about Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet or the nuclear
industry, please contact us.
/1 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE
Duke Energy Nuclear Facilities: Additional information about each nuclear facility can be viewed by visiting duke-energy.com or by selecting the plant below. Brunswick Nuclear Plant Catawba Nuclear Station Capacity: 1,870 megawatts Capacity: 2,310 megawatts Location: Southport, N.C. Location: York, S.C. Number of Units: 2 Number of Units: 2 Commercial Date: 1975 Commercial Date: 1985 Harris Nuclear Plant McGuire Nuclear Station Capacity: 964 megawatts Capacity: 2,316 megawatts Location: New Hill, N.C. Location: Huntersville, N.C. Number of Units: 1 Number of Units: 2 Commercial Date: 1987 Commercial Date: 1981 Oconee Nuclear Station Robinson Nuclear Plant Capacity: 2,554 megawatts Capacity: 759 megawatts Location: Seneca, S.C. Location: Hartsville, S.C. Number of Units: 3 Number of Units: 1 Commercial Date: 1973 Commercial Date: 1971 \ 2 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE
Energy and Environmental Center EnergyExplorium World of Energy
Visiting a Duke Energy of nuclear power. In addition to educational
opportunities, the EnergyExplorium and World of
Nuclear Facility* Energy each feature a nature trail, picnic facility and
butterfly garden. These stations also regularly host
To request a nuclear site visit, call Duke Energy’s free, family-friendly events.
24-hour media line at 800.559.3853 (DUKE). All activities are free at the education centers.
The appropriate media contact will call you for
more details regarding the business purpose for the
Energy and Environmental Center
visit and will submit a request to the site staff for
at Harris Nuclear Plant
consideration. Requests for visits to nuclear stations
Phone: 984.229.6261
must go through a stringent review and approval
process and generally cannot be approved on Email: Harris.Plant@duke-energy.com
short notice. Upon request, video (B-roll) or Address: 3932 New Hill Holleman Road
a photo opportunity at a Duke Energy facility may New Hill, N.C. 27562
be available.
Hours: Individual and group visits are
arranged by appointment only and
Duke Energy Education Centers* are scheduled Tuesday through
Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Duke Energy provides energy education centers
at three of its nuclear facilities. The Energy and EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station
Environmental Center at Harris, the EnergyExplorium Phone: 800.777.0003
at McGuire and the World of Energy at Oconee
serve as strong links between the sites and their Email: EnergyExplorium@duke-energy.com
communities. Each year, thousands of people visit Address: 13339 McGuire Station Road
these education centers to learn more about nuclear Huntersville, N.C. 28078
power and Duke Energy.
Hours: Individual and group visits are
The three centers feature hands-on educational arranged by appointment only and
exhibits and resources for anyone interested in are scheduled Tuesday through
learning more about electricity and the benefits Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
*Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to have in-person visitors;
however, you may contact us for virtual simulator and plant tours later
this year.
/3 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE
World of Energy at Oconee Nuclear Station Robinson Media Center
Phone: 800.777.1004 1755 Mechanicsville Rd.
Florence, S.C. 29501
Email: WorldOfEnergy@duke-energy.com
Address: 7812 Rochester Highway Media outlets will be informed if these facilities are
Seneca, S.C. 29672 activated following an emergency declaration at a
Duke Energy nuclear station.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Reservations are recommended
for group visits. Closed: Saturday, Federal, State and Local Agencies
Sunday and some holidays.
Federal Agencies:
Nuclear Information Center (NIC)
Please take a moment to visit the NIC, Duke Energy’s
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
nuclear blog. The NIC features stories about nuclear
Public Affairs, Region II, Atlanta, GA
plant operations, industry news, environmental
404.997.4000 or 800.577.8510 (business hours)
stewardship, nuclear energy careers, community
301.816.5100 (after hours, call the Operations
volunteerism, emergency planning and more.
Center in Rockville, MD)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
News Media Contacts 770.220.5226 (news media)
770.220.5200 (24 hours)
Duke Energy and Nuclear Site Media State Agencies:
Relations Contact Information
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
Duke Energy 24-hour Media Line: 919.733.3300 or 800.858.0368
800.559.3853 (DUKE)
North Carolina Department of Health
and Human Services
Media Centers – 919.855.4800 or 800.662.7030
Activated to Support Events:
South Carolina Emergency Management Division
Brunswick Media Center 803.737.8500
1623 Village Road NE
South Carolina Department of Health
Leland, N.C. 28451
and Environmental Control
Catawba Media Center 803.898.3432
526 S. Church St.
Charlotte, N.C. 28202-1904
Local Emergency Management Agencies:
McGuire Media Center Brunswick Nuclear Plant
526 S. Church St. Brunswick County Emergency Management
Charlotte, N.C. 28202-1904 910.253.5383
New Hanover County Emergency Management
Harris Media Center
910.798.6800
411 Fayetteville St.
Raleigh, N.C. 27603 Catawba Nuclear Station
York County Emergency Management
Oconee Media Center
803.326.2300 (24 hours)
664 Issaqueena Trail
803.818.5212 (Clover, Lake Wylie and Bethel)
Central, S.C. 29630-4434
\ 4 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE
Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Darlington County Emergency Management
Emergency Management 843.398.4450
704.336.2412 (business hours)
Florence County Emergency Management
704.336.2441 (after hours)
843.665.7255
Gaston County Emergency Management
704.866.3350 (business hours) Lee County Emergency Management
704.866.3300 (after hours) 803.484.5274
Harris Nuclear Plant
Chatham County Emergency Management Industry Organizations
919.542.2911 Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI)
202.739.8000
Harnett County Emergency Management
910.893.7580 (business hours) American Nuclear Society (ANS)
910.893.9111 (after hours - sheriff) 800.323.3044
Lee County Office of Emergency Management Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
919.718.4670 (business hours) 800.313.3774
919.775.5531 (after hours - sheriff)
919.775.8268 (after hours - Sanford police)
Wake County Emergency Management
919.856.6480 Emergency Planning
McGuire Nuclear Station Duke Energy is committed to the safe, secure
Charlotte-Mecklenburg County operation of its nuclear stations. A combination of
Emergency Management well-trained personnel, physical barriers, advanced
704.336.2412 (business hours) surveillance equipment, diverse and redundant safety
704.336.2441 (after hours) systems and many other features ensures the safe
Gaston County Emergency Management operation of these stations. Beyond these safeguards,
704.866.3350 (business hours) each station has detailed plans for handling
704.866.3300 (after hours) emergencies, no matter how unlikely. These plans are
Iredell County Emergency Management closely coordinated and practiced with county, state
704.878.5353 (business hours) and federal officials on a regular basis.
704.878.3039 (after hours)
Neighbors living within the 10-mile emergency
Lincoln County Emergency Management planning zone (EPZ) around nuclear stations receive
704.736.8660 (business hours) emergency planning information annually in the
704.735.8202 (after hours) form of a booklet or other documents mailed to their
Catawba County Emergency Services homes. In addition, nuclear informational booklets
828.465.8230 (business hours) are shared with local schools and businesses/
828.464.3112 (after hours) organizations such as hotels, motels, marinas and
Oconee Nuclear Station post offices that are visited by transient populations.
Oconee County Emergency Management Media outlets around our nuclear stations receive
864.638.4200 information regarding our operations. Additional
emergency planning information can be found on
Pickens County Emergency Management
Duke Energy’s website.
864.898.5945 (business hours)
864.898.5500 (after hours) Duke Energy is responsible for managing any problem
Robinson Nuclear Plant at its nuclear stations and would immediately notify
Chesterfield County Office federal, state and local authorities per its plans and
of Emergency Management procedures. These officials would then notify the
843.623.3362 public if any action is necessary.
/5 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE
Key Emergency Planning Terms television station to hear emergency information.
Hearing a siren does not mean anyone should
evacuate. The emergency information carried on the
Public Protective Actions radio and television will provide what actions, if any,
In the unlikely event of a nuclear station incident, the public should take.
the public may be instructed to shelter (i.e., stay
indoors), evacuate or take potassium iodide (KI).
Potassium Iodide (KI)
County and state emergency management officials
are responsible for making public protective action KI is a non-prescription drug similar to iodized table
decisions and providing information to the public, no salt. KI may prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing
matter the type of emergency. radioactive iodine and is one protective action that
state or county officials may recommend during a
nuclear emergency. KI is available to residents living
Outdoor Warning Sirens
within 10 miles of a nuclear station through county
Emergency outdoor warning sirens are located health departments and local pharmacies.
throughout each nuclear station’s EPZ. Duke Energy
installed the sirens after consultation with county KI should only be taken at the direction of state and
emergency management officials. To ensure the county public health officials. Emergency information
sirens operate properly, they are tested in various on the radio and television will advise the public
ways on a weekly and quarterly basis. Testing is part when and how long to take KI, if it is needed.
of a formal maintenance program and requires no
public action. Quarterly, full-volume test dates are For more KI information, visit:
noted in annual emergency planning information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
provided to EPZ residents.
North Carolina Department of Health
Warning sirens are for outdoor notification and only and Human Services
sounded at the direction of county/state emergency
officials. If a siren sounds for three minutes, multiple South Carolina Department of Health
times, the public should listen to a local radio or and Environmental Control
\ 6 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE
About Nuclear Power Safety and Security of Nuclear Stations
Duke Energy, along with the U.S. nuclear industry, is
Value of Nuclear Energy committed to ensuring the safe, secure operation of
our nation’s nuclear stations every day.
Nuclear power is a safe, reliable and clean source of
energy – affordably generating approximately 20% of
America’s electricity. Nuclear Safety
Some states, such as South Carolina, receive more Nuclear stations are among the safest and most
than 50% of their electricity from nuclear power. secure facilities in the world. Industry organizations
Duke Energy operates 11 nuclear units in two promote safety and excellence in the operation of
states – Brunswick in Southport, N.C.; Catawba commercial nuclear power plants. The NRC provides
in York, S.C.; Harris in New Hill, N.C.; McGuire in strong safety oversight and regulation of the industry,
Huntersville, N.C.; Oconee in Seneca, S.C.; and as well.
Robinson in Hartsville, S.C. Nuclear energy
provides about 50% of our Duke Energy Carolinas Nuclear stations are built to withstand a variety of
customers’ electricity. external forces, including hurricanes, tornadoes,
Safety and security are the highest priorities for fires, floods and earthquakes. Nuclear stations
Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet, as well as the U.S. are constructed to withstand earthquakes of the
nuclear industry. Nuclear stations are designed, magnitude equivalent to or greater than the largest
built and operated according to extensive safety and known earthquake for its geographic location.
security requirements – strictly regulated by the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) – to protect The containment buildings that house the nuclear
the public, station workers and the environment. reactor are made of thick concrete and rebar. Nuclear
stations also have numerous and diverse safety
Nuclear stations can reliably generate large amounts
systems and physical barriers to prevent the release
of carbon-free electricity around-the-clock to meet
of radioactive materials and to protect the public,
customer energy needs. In fact, nuclear power
provides electricity to one in five businesses and station workers and the environment.
homes in the U.S. Nuclear stations are also a low-
cost provider of large-scale electricity 24 hours a day A Containment Building’s Robust
(baseload generation).
Physical Structure
Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest fuel sources,
accounting for more than 55% of all carbon-free
electricity generated in the U.S. Nuclear energy
produces no carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide or nitrogen 3 Feet of Concrete
oxide. Nuclear stations are important to a carbon-
Annulus
free energy mix, providing a steady base to back up
intermittent renewables like solar, hydro and 3/4 Inch Steel Shell
wind power.
3 Feet of Concrete
Coal, natural gas, hydroelectric, solar power,
8 Inch Carbon Steel Reactor Vessel
geothermal energy, wind power and biomass are
important to the nation’s energy mix. However, we
are unable to meet our energy needs around-the-
clock with renewable energy sources only, making A study conducted by the Electric Power Research
nuclear energy an attractive source of carbon-free Institute (EPRI) shows that reactor and fuel structures
baseload generation. at U.S. nuclear stations would protect against a
Nuclear energy currently plays a key role in meeting radiation release even if struck by a large commercial
our nation’s electricity needs and will continue to be jetliner. A nuclear reactor is surrounded by a number
an important energy source for the world in the years of structures that would limit the effects of such
to come. an impact.
/7 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE
Nuclear Security Nuclear Power Generation
Nuclear stations have numerous security features.
Generation of electricity in a nuclear station is similar
Armed, well-trained security forces guard these
to a gas-fired station. The difference is the source
stations 24 hours a day. Physical intrusion barriers of heat. Fissioning (splitting) of uranium atoms
consisting of concrete structures and razor wire replaces the use of natural gas as the source for heat.
fences, to name a few, surround the stations. The heat is used to turn water into steam to drive
Advanced surveillance equipment continually turbine generators.
monitors areas surrounding the station.
Duke Energy’s McGuire, Oconee, Catawba, Robinson
Station access is tightly controlled by both security and Harris nuclear plants are pressurized reactor
forces and sophisticated security systems, such as designs. Brunswick is a boiling water reactor design.
palm and iris recognition screening, and weapons
and explosives detectors. Nuclear employees
must pass stringent background investigations, Pressurized Water Reactor
psychological evaluations and drug and alcohol Pressurized water reactors (also known as PWRs)
screenings. Employees and contractors are subject keep water under pressure so that it heats but does
to continual monitoring and screening. not boil. This heated water is circulated through
tubes in steam generators. Water inside the steam
Our nuclear security programs are evaluated generators circulates around these tubes and is
for effectiveness on a regular basis by both the heated into steam, which then turns the turbine
company and the NRC. Duke Energy-operated generator. Water from the reactor and water that is
nuclear stations meet all requirements set forth by turned into steam are in separate systems and do
the NRC and perform well during security drills and not mix.
tests. The company’s security training programs
and facilities are among the best in the industry.
We work closely with local, state and federal law
How a Nuclear Pressurized Water
enforcement agencies, federal security agencies and Reactor Works
the intelligence community.
Reactor
The fuel used in nuclear generation is uranium-235.
It is manufactured as small pellets. A single pellet
is less than an inch long, but it produces the energy
equivalent to using 17,000 cubic feet of natural
gas. The pellets are placed end to end into fuel rods
12 feet long. Approximately 200 of these rods are
grouped together into what is called a fuel assembly.
\ 8 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDENuclear Pressurized Water Reactor
Learn more about how a pressurized water reactor works.
Nuclear fission occurs when uranium atoms are Steam Generator
split by particles known as neutrons. Uranium-235 The hot, pressurized water from the reactor (primary
atoms have a unique quality that causes them to coolant) passes through thousands of tubes in
break apart after colliding with a free neutron. Once nearby steam generators. The outside of these
a uranium-235 atom splits, neutrons are released tubes is surrounded by water from the secondary
that collide with other uranium-235 atoms. A chain
coolant system. The heat from the primary coolant is
reaction begins, and heat is released as a byproduct.
transferred to the secondary coolant system, which
Control rods are inserted among the fuel assemblies then turns into steam. The primary and secondary
to regulate or stop the fission process. These control systems are closed systems. This means the water
rods absorb neutrons. When fully inserted among the flowing through the reactor remains separate and
fuel assemblies, nuclear fission stops. Withdrawing does not mix with water from the other system or
the control rods allows fission to occur. the lake.
Pressurizer
Turbine
In a pressurized water reactor, the heat produced in
Steam produced in the secondary coolant system is
the reactor is transferred to the first of three separate
water systems: the primary (reactor) coolant, piped from the containment building into the turbine
secondary coolant (steam supply) and condenser building to push the blades of a turbine. The turbine
systems. The primary coolant is heated to more than is connected to an electric generator by a long shaft.
600 degrees Fahrenheit. A pressurizer keeps the As the turbine blades spin, the shaft turns a magnet
primary coolant under pressure to prevent boiling. inside the generator to produce electricity.
/9 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDENuclear Boiling Water Reactor
Learn more about how a boiling water reactor works.
Condenser Coolant How a Nuclear Boiling Water Reactor Works
After spinning the turbines, the steam flows across
condenser cooling system tubes. The steam is cooled, Boiling water reactors (also known as BWRs) operate
condensed back into water and returned to the steam in a fashion similar to a PWR. Water in the reactor
vessel is allowed to boil into steam to spin a turbine
generator to be used again and again.
generator. A closed condenser water system cools this
steam back into water so it can be pumped back into
Lake Cooling or Cooling Towers the reactor vessel. The nuclear fuel core is cooled in
At some nuclear stations, lake water flows through the process.
thousands of condenser tubes to cool steam back
to water. Water from the condenser system is then A BWR uses two separate water systems called
“cycles.” To begin, water is pumped through the
discharged down a long canal (for cooling) and
reactor core, where a controlled nuclear reactor
eventually enters the main part of a lake, river
releases heat. The water inside the reactor vessel
or ocean.
boils into superheated steam. This steam is then
At other plants, the condenser cooling water is directed against the turbine blades to make
circulated through cooling towers to remove the extra the turbine and electric generator spin at
heat it has absorbed. The water is pumped to the top approximately 1,800 revolutions per minute (rpm),
of the cooling towers and is allowed to pour down producing electricity.
through the structure. Natural-draft towers utilize After passing through the turbine, the steam passes
the upward flow of air through the towers to cool the through a condenser, where it is cooled by water
condenser water. In mechanical-draft towers, several drawn from a body of water, converting it back to a
fans pull air inside to cool the condenser water. After liquid state. The water is then returned to the reactor,
it is cooled, the condenser water is pumped back into where it is converted to steam again. The water
the turbine building to cool and condense the steam. from the reactor cycle never comes into direct
\ 10 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDEcontact with the plant’s other water systems and is used fuel at nuclear stations in storage pools or dry
contained within the reactor building and the turbine/ storage containers.
generator building.
Learn more about nuclear power. Reprocessing (Recycling)
Used nuclear fuel recycling technology does
exist, although not commercially in the U.S. For
Used Nuclear Fuel many years, a number of other countries (India,
Japan, France, United Kingdom and Russia) have
Storage
successfully used recycling to reduce the volume of
Used nuclear fuel is a solid byproduct of the fission
content of used fuel. The pursuit of these advanced
process used to generate electricity in nuclear
technologies in the U.S. does not relieve the federal
stations. If all the used fuel produced in nearly
government of its statutory responsibility to provide a
50 years of U.S. nuclear station operation were
disposal facility since recycling does not eliminate all
stacked end to end, it would cover a football field to
a depth of less than 10 yards. Of this fuel, 95% used-fuel constituents.
could be recycled.
Radiation and Health
Duke Energy has 50 years of experience handling
Radiation is a natural part of our environment. It is
used nuclear fuel. Our employees are well-trained,
not new or mysterious. We receive radiation from
environmentally conscious professionals who take
the sun, minerals in the Earth, the food we eat and
pride in their work, including safely managing
building materials in our houses. Even our bodies
used fuel.
give off small amounts of radiation.
Duke Energy safely stores used nuclear fuel at its
facilities in two ways – in steel-lined, concrete storage Exposure to extremely large amounts of radiation can
pools filled with water and in large, airtight steel be harmful. However, the amount of radiation given
canisters (dry cask storage). As with every other vital off in the normal operation of a nuclear station is very
system at a nuclear station, the used-fuel pools and small – smaller, in fact, than the amount we would
dry storage canisters have numerous and redundant receive on a coast-to-coast airplane flight.
safety and security systems that ensure the fuel
Although radiation is invisible, it can be accurately
remains safe and secure.
measured. Radiation is measured in units called rem
The federal government has responsibility for and millirem. The rem is a unit of measure that takes
permanently disposing of used nuclear fuel. into account the effects different types of radiation
Until a national repository or recycling is available, have on the body. A millirem is 1/1,000 of a rem.
utilities will continue to safely and securely store Compute your dose.
/ 11 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDENuclear Industry Operating Experience Radiation from Common Sources
The U.S. nuclear industry relies on a program of
continuous improvement based on ongoing lessons Radiation Source Dose (millirem)
learned from worldwide operating experience to
further enhance safety. In addition to the NRC’s Average annual radiation
620
regulation, other industry organizations like the exposure from all sources
Nuclear Energy Institute, the World Association of
Natural background
Nuclear Operators and the Institute of Nuclear Power
radiation (radon gas, 310
Operations provide significant oversight to ensure the
cosmic, etc.)
operational safety of nuclear stations worldwide.
Man-made Source
Glossary of Medical sources 298
Nuclear Terms Consumer products
(fertilizer, tobacco, 12
Here are a few commonly used terms in the
smoke detectors, etc.)
nuclear industry. Visit the NRC website for
additional information. Living next to a nuclear
Less than 1
Atom: The smallest particle of an element that power station
cannot be divided or broken up by chemical means.
It consists of a central core called a nucleus, which Capacity Factor: A measure of reliability reflecting
contains protons and neutrons. Electrons revolve the amount of electricity a generating unit provides
around the nucleus. versus how much it could provide if operating at
all times.
Atomic Energy: Energy produced in the form of heat
during the fission process in a nuclear reactor. When Containment Building: The structure housing the
released in a sufficient and controlled quantity, this nuclear reactor, pressurizer, reactor coolant pumps,
heat energy may be used to produce steam to run steam generators and other associated piping and
a conventional turbine generator to produce electrical equipment. It is an airtight, steel-lined structure with
power. Atomic energy is usually referred to as heavily reinforced concrete walls several feet thick. It
nuclear energy. is designed to withstand tremendous physical forces.
Background Radiation: Radiation from cosmic Control Rods: Rods made of material that absorbs
rays and radioactive material that naturally exists neutrons. When inserted into the nuclear fuel, the
in soil, water and air is part of our environment. rods stop the fission process, thereby shutting down
The amount of radiation a person gets is measured the reactor.
in millirems, and the average person in the U.S.
Cooling Tower: A large structure that serves as a heat
receives about 620 millirem of radiation each year
exchanger to aid in the cooling of water used to cool
– about 50% from natural sources and the rest from
exhaust steam leaving the turbines of a power plant.
man-made sources.
Cooling towers transfer this heat into the air, instead
Boiling Water Reactor (BWR): In this reactor design, of into a body of water.
water flows upward through the core, where it is
Core: The central portion of a nuclear reactor, which
heated by fission and allowed to boil in the reactor
contains the fuel assemblies, moderator, neutron
vessel. The resulting steam drives turbine blades
poisons, control rods and support structures. The
and a shaft connected to a generator to produce
reactor core is where fission takes place.
electrical power.
Fission: The splitting of atoms, which releases
tremendous amounts of heat energy.
\ 12 \ DUKE ENERGYFuel Rod: A long, slender, zirconium metal tube Steam Generator: In a pressurized water reactor, it’s
containing pellets of fissionable material that provide the large steel component where steam is produced.
fuel for nuclear reactors. Fuel rods are assembled It is located inside the containment building.
into bundles called fuel assemblies, which are loaded
individually into the reactor core. Subsequent License Renewal: A license that is
issued by the NRC authorizing a licensee to operate
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR): The reactor heats a nuclear generating unit at a specific site in
water in a closed system that then transfers its heat accordance with established laws and regulations.
to another closed system in the steam generators to A subsequent license renewal allows for a plant to
produce steam to turn the turbine generator. operate for a total of 80 years.
Radiation: Particles and/or energy given off by Turbine Generator: A steam (or water) turbine directly
unstable atoms as they undergo radioactive decay to coupled to an electrical generator. The two devices
a stable state. are often referred to as one unit.
Reactor: A cylindrical, steel vessel that contains the Uranium: The fuel used in nuclear power reactors
core, control rods, coolant and structures that support because of the ability of its atoms to undergo fission.
the core.
Energy Education Websites
ABC’s of Nuclear Science EnergyExplorium at National Science
www.lbl.gov/abc McGuire Nuclear Station Teachers Associations
www.duke-energy.com/ www.nsta.org
American Nuclear Society
energyexplorium
www.ans.org Nuclear Energy Institute
Energy Information Administration www.nei.org
Center for Energy
www.eia.gov
Workforce Development Oak Ridge National Laboratory
www.cewd.org Federal Energy Regulatory www.ornl.gov
Commission
Clean Energy Education U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
www.ferc.gov
www.cleanenergyedu.com Commission (NRC)
Foundation for Water and www.nrc.gov
Contemporary Physics
Energy Education
Education Project U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
www.fwee.org
www.cpepweb.org www.energy.gov
Get Into Energy
Duke Energy Nuclear World of Energy at
www.getintoenergy.com
Information Center Oconee Nuclear Station
Nuclear.Duke-Energy.com Energy & Environmental Center www.duke-energy.com/
at Harris Nuclear Plant worldofenergy
Edison Electric Institute (EEI)
www.duke-energy.com/eecenter
www.eei.org World Nuclear Association
International Atomic www.world-nuclear.org
Electric Power Research
Energy Agency
Institute (EPRI)
www.iaea.org
www.epri.com
Jefferson Lab
The Energy Collective
www.jlab.org
TheEnergyCollective.com
/ 13 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDENuclear Emergency Classifications
Four classifications are used to describe an emergency at a nuclear station. Appropriate federal, state and local
authorities are informed in each of the following classifications:
Class General Description Examples
Unusual The least serious of the four classifications. It 1. A natural or other destructive event (i.e.,
Event means that a minor event – either operational or tornado, earthquake, vehicle crash, etc.)
security – has occurred at the station. Unusual occurs that affects the station.
events pose no threat to public safety but due 2. A fire lasting more than 15 minutes
to strict federal regulations warrant an increased in an area where station safety equipment
awareness by the plant operator and off-site is located.
emergency response agencies. No release of
radioactive material is expected. 3. A loss of AC electrical power from all
off-site electrical transmission lines for
more than 15 minutes.
Alert In this classification, an event – either 1. Indications of possible damage to the used
operational or security-based – has occurred that fuel stored at the station.
could reduce the plant’s level of safety. Although 2. A failure of the automatic system used
there would be no threat to public safety, county to shut down the reactor.
and state officials and the plant operator would
prepare emergency operation centers in case 3. A fire or explosion causing significant
the situation worsens. Any radioactive release damage to permanent plant equipment
associated with the event would be minimal. and/or structures.
Site Area This classification means an event has occurred 1. Failure of the plant systems needed to cool
Emergency in which major safety equipment has failed or the fuel or keep the reactor shut down.
is likely to fail, or a security event has occurred 2. A confirmed act of sabotage in an area
in an area where the reactor (and/or equipment containing vital plant structures.
used to safely shut down the reactor) is located.
The sirens could be sounded. The public should 3. Radiation doses projected to exceed 0.1
listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for rem total body (i.e., one-fourth the amount
information and instructions. Any release of in a typical upper GI medical X-ray) at the
radioactive materials would be expected to stay site boundary.
within strict federal guidelines.
General The most serious of the four classifications. 1. R
adiation doses projected to exceed one
Emergency It means that an event has occurred in which (1) rem total body (i.e., four times the
actual or imminent fuel damage is likely. State amount in a typical upper GI medical
and local authorities would take action to protect X-ray) at the site boundary.
the public. EAS would give information and 2. A
ll AC electrical power sources (on-site
instructions for people in the affected areas. Any and off-site) are lost and recovery is not
release of radioactive materials associated with expected for a long period of time.
the event could exceed strict federal guidelines.
\ 14 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE©2021 Duke Energy Corporation 210286 2/21
You can also read
