38 Countries Attend Forum and Voice Optimism for Nuclear

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Jackson, Miss. – Nuclear professionals and government officials gathered in a rare opportunity to address nuclear power plant life management on a global level – that is, validating the operational effectiveness of existing nuclear plants as licenses are extended. Garry Young was the United States representative leading the host committee and is the Director of License Renewal Services for Entergy. The International Atomic Energy Agency only holds this global forum every five years and this was the first time it was held in the U.S. convening in Salt Lake City last month.

“Our studies show that nuclear plants are not ‘old and crumbling’ but well-maintained, viable operations with 20, 40 or even more years of safe electricity production ahead,” stated Young. “It was interesting to hear other country’s representatives affirm this across the globe, too. Even as countries like China are building new nuclear at a fast pace, the importance of maintaining existing clean and safe nuclear generation of electricity is critical to energy policies everywhere.”

The forum was organized by the IAEA in cooperation with the European Commission Joint Research Centre and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency and hosted officially by the government of the United States of America including the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The United States Senate also commended the NRC and DOE applauding efforts to “explore the increased role of nuclear power plant life management in support of license renewal and the safe, long-term operation of commercial nuclear reactors throughout the world.” The Senate resolution 454 of the 112th U.S. Congress also encouraged IAEA Member States to take advantage of the latest technology to further develop licensing and safety programs to secure long-term success of nuclear electricity generation.

“Time and again, we heard global acclamation for stringent plant life management at this IAEA meeting. We must continue to educate regulators, governments and our customers about how nuclear power plants are as good as new or better because millions of dollars are poured into maintenance and improvements every year,” said Entergy Vice President J. Randy Douet.

Most recently for the Entergy Nuclear U.S. fleet, Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station and the Cooper Nuclear Station received 20 year license extensions by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Cooper is owned by the Nebraska Public Power District where Entergy has a support and management services contract.

According to the IAEA Power Reactor Information System there are currently 436 commercial nuclear power reactors operating worldwide, providing about 13 percent of the world's electricity. Another 62 plants are under construction.

“As demand for electricity continues to grow, nuclear licenses will need to be extended along with building new nuclear generation in order to keep pace,” Young concluded.

The IAEA is the world's center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as a global "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The
Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies.

Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $11 billion and approximately 15,000 employees.

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