BUCHANAN – The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Monday, approved the application to transfer the licenses for the Indian Point nuclear power plants in Buchanan to Holtec International for prompt decommissioning.
The transfer of the Indian Point units one, two and three are currently targeted for May 2021 and would occur following the satisfaction of all closing conditions, including the permanent shutdown and reactor defueling of Unit three, which is the last operating power plant at Indian Point. That will shut down by April 30, 2021.
In its decision, the NRC determined that Holtec possesses the required technical and financial qualifications to decommission Indian Point safely and in accordance with NRC requirements.
Previously, the NRC approved two separate transfers of retired nuclear power plants to Holtec for prompt decommissioning; Holtec currently owns and is decommissioning the shutdown of Oyster Creek nuclear power plant in New Jersey and the shutdown of the Pilgrim nuclear power plant in Massachusetts.
The NRC previously approved the license transfer of Vermont Yankee to NorthStar Group Service in support of Entergy’s effort to divest of its merchant nuclear fleet to focus on its regulated and transformation strategies.
Holtec plans to begin the decommissioning process promptly upon taking ownership, and as part of the agreement between the companies, will initially provide job opportunities for approximately 300 of Entergy’s current 1,000 employees.
Holtec has also agreed to honor the collective bargaining agreements that apply to current employees.
Separate from the NRC approval, Entergy and Holtec have filed with the State Public Service Commission requesting a ruling disclaiming PSC jurisdiction or abstaining from review of the proposed transaction, or, in the alterative, an order approving the proposed transaction. That petition remains pending before the PSC.
