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Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station

In July 1999, Pilgrim Station, located in historic Plymouth,
Mass., became the first nuclear power plant in the country to be sold
through a competitive bid process to current owner, Entergy. Founded as a
Separatist colony in 1620, the town of Plymouth has been home to Pilgrim
Station since the plant opened in 1972 and is the town's second largest
non-government employer, with approximately 650 workers.
Community involvement and corporate giving have long been a
hallmark of Entergy's corporate philosophy. This tradition continues with
Pilgrim's strong commitment to being a "good neighbor" to the communities
surrounding Pilgrim, bolstered by the participation of many Pilgrim
employees in charitable and civic events demonstrating their commitment to
the community.
Through the plant's charitable initiatives, Entergy makes
donations annually to a wide variety of non-profit organizations, schools,
diversity/inclusion and community-minded groups located in and around
Plymouth. Entergy also donates thousands of dollars each year to
organizations that cater to arts & culture, community improvement/enrichment
and the environment.
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Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station Plymouth, Mass. |
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Owner: |
Entergy Nuclear Generation Co. |
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Maximum Dependable Capacity: |
688 MW |
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Reactor Type: |
Boiling Water Reactor |
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Reactor Manufacturer: |
General Electric |
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Turbine Generator Manufacturer:
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General Electric |
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Architect/Engineer: |
Bechtel Power |
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Commercial Operation Date:
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12/01/1972 |
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License Expiration Date:
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6/08/2032
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Cooling Water Source: |
Cape Cod Bay via once-through cooling (no cooling tower) |
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Number of Employees: |
650 |
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Counties included in Emergency Planning Zone: |
Plymouth, Mass. |
Environmental Impact
Generating electricity with nuclear energy prevents the emission of
pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and greenhouse
gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with burning fossil fuels.
During 2011, environmental emissions avoided due to nuclear power plant
operation in Massachusetts included 4,000 tons of sulfur dioxide, 800 tons of
nitrogen oxide and 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.*
Emissions of SO2 lead to the formation of acid rain. NOx is a key precursor
of both ground-level ozone and smog. Greenhouse gases like CO2 contribute to
global warming.
* Source: Emissions avoided by nuclear power are calculated using regional
fossil fuel emissions rates from the Environmental Protection Agency and plant
generation data from the Energy Information Administration.
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