After more than 45 years of powering New York with reliable, carbon-free electricity, the Indian Point Energy Center has shut down. Last year, Indian Point 2 generated its last megawatt of electricity before prematurely ceasing operations. Now, its near-identical twin, Indian Point 3, has done the same.
The nuclear plant held the distinction of being one of the largest and most reliable power-generating stations in New York state for more than four decades. The two operating reactors annually produced about 25 percent of the electricity for New York City and the lower Hudson Valley and about 10 percent of the electricity supplied to the entire state of New York.
Indian Point is a large part of the reason I became committed to nuclear energy. It’s the first plant I ever toured as a visitor and eventually became my second home, where I spent countless hours as a member of the Entergy Corp. communications team. I wasn’t prepared to say goodbye to an old, reliable friend.
Indian Point 2’s closure last year meant 1,000 megawatts of carbon-free power was gone forever. Now that Indian Point 3 has retired, another 1,000 megawatts has been taken offline.
Over their 45-plus year lifetime, the reactors have safely generated more than 530 terawatt-hours of carbon-free electricity, powering more than 2 million homes annually and employing nearly 1,000 committed, highly skilled workers. The reactors have avoided more than 7.5 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to offsetting emissions from most of the 1.6 million cars in New York City. The loss is substantial.
I remember how often I sought moments of solace and brief meditation looking out my office window at the two large reactor domes against the backdrop of the Hudson River. It was beyond picturesque. The deer would graze on site and Canada geese flocked to catch any fish the gulls allowed them to eat. I also remember the commitment and pride of employees who would show up in masses at public meetings and events to support the plant.
I am thankful for the fond memories of this technological marvel and its dedicated supporters. Both the plants—for their capability and their carbon-free contribution—and the people—for their commitment and hard work—are awe-inspiring.
New York has lost more than a major source of reliable electricity, it has lost a carbon-free legend. If we want to reduce emissions, we must ensure that nuclear plants—which provide more than 50 percent of carbon-free electricity in the U.S.—remain open.
Photo Credit: cc/Rolf Müller
UPDATED: This blogpost has been edited to reflect the closure of Indian Point 3 on April 30, 2021.
