Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station Transformer Replacement Project Continues Through Harford

From the Maryland State Highway Administration:

Over the next two years, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station will complete the replacement of all six of its main power transformers as part of Exelon Nuclear’s overall commitment to investing in the future of Peach Bottom. The main power transformer replacement project is an $87 million investment in the plant’s production of safe and reliable electricity. It is common across the industry to replace existing transformers as part of the ongoing investment and reliability of nuclear energy facilities.

The transformers were shipped from Korea to Philadelphia and then barged from Philadelphia to Havre de Grace, Md. On June 7, the transformers will begin a 4-day journey to Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station in Delta, Pa.

Peach Bottom will install six new transformers by the end of 2011. A seventh transformer will be stored on site as a spare. Exelon Nuclear entered into a contract with Hyundai to design and build seven transformers for Peach Bottom. The replacement transformers will have numerous enhancements compared to the existing transformers, such as larger capacity for future power up-rates, digital monitoring/control system, performance data logging, remote monitoring and oil/gas monitoring instrumentation.

The disassembled shipping weight of each transformer is approximately 481,000 pounds (total shipping weight including the transporter is approximately 671,000 pounds). Once installed on site, each transformer will stand 35 feet high and 28 feet wide. The removed transformers will be stored on site on a newly constructed concrete pad until shipped off site for salvage recycling of the copper, oil and steel.

The three transformers will be shipped from Korea to Philadelphia and then barged from Philadelphia to Havre de Grace, Md. The transformers will then be shipped by road on self-propelled transporters. The transporters will travel approximately three to five miles per hour, and the road transport is expected to last four days, from June 7 -11.

Exelon Nuclear and its subcontractors are working closely with Maryland and Pennsylvania departments of transportation and the Maryland Transportation Authority to obtain the necessaryapprovals and permits. We are also working with local municipalities and utilities to ensure there is minimal impact to residents along the transportation route.