Ginna Nuclear Generating Station

Ginna Nuclear Generating Station
Name	Ginna Nuclear Generating Station
Country	United States
Location	Ontario, New York
Status	Operational
Commissioning	1970
Operator	Constellation Energy
Reactor type	Pressurized Water Reactor
Reactor supplier	General Electric
Capacity	581 MW

Ginna Nuclear Generating Station

Ginna Nuclear Generating Station is a single-unit nuclear power plant located near Rochester, New York, in the town of Ontario, New York on the south shore of Lake Ontario. The plant began commercial operation in 1970 and supplies baseload electricity to the New York Independent System Operator transmission network, supporting regional demand in the Northeastern United States, the New York State Electric and Gas service area, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission energy market.

Introduction

The facility sits on a site adjacent to the Genesee River mouth and is staffed by licensed operators trained under standards from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, and the American Nuclear Society. The plant contributes to the ISO New England interconnections, participates in North American Electric Reliability Corporation reliability assessments, and is part of the broader United States energy infrastructure portfolio managed by Constellation Energy. Its operation reflects interactions among entities such as New York State Public Service Commission, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, and federal agencies like the Department of Energy.

History and Construction

Construction began following a combined licensing and procurement process involving contractors such as General Electric and firms including Bechtel Corporation and Stone & Webster. The project was developed originally by Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation and New York State Electric and Gas before later ownership transitions to NSTAR and then Constellation Energy. The plant was named for Robert E. Ginna, a notable local figure involved with early regional industry, and its commissioning in 1970 followed licensing actions by the Atomic Energy Commission and successor oversight by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. During construction and startup the site coordinated with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Monroe County, and environmental reviews influenced by organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency.

Reactor and Technical Specifications

The reactor is a single pressurized water reactor supplied by General Electric featuring a Babcock & Wilcox-style primary system and steam generators consistent with PWR design. The unit's electrical output is approximately 581 megawatts electric, with a thermal output managed through condensers discharging to Lake Ontario under permits involving the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The plant includes safety systems informed by standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and design review input from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory. Auxiliary systems encompass diesel generators provided by manufacturers like Caterpillar Inc. and emergency systems reviewed under FEMA planning guidance and NRC regulatory criteria.

Operating History and Incidents

The station has operated through multiple license renewals, receiving approval for extended operation from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission after environmental impact statements consistent with National Environmental Policy Act procedures. The plant experienced a notable event in 1982 during the Northeast blackout of 1965 era follow-ups and later dealt with a steam generator tube issue addressed with vendor support from Westinghouse Electric Company and engineering firms including Black & Veatch. In 2007 an independent assessment involved experts from Sandia National Laboratories and Argonne National Laboratory. The facility responded to regional events such as Hurricane Sandy operations coordination, integrated with New York State Emergency Management Office and Monroe County Office of Emergency Management.

Safety, Regulation, and Security

Safety measures are governed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations and inspections, supplemented by peer reviews from the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and oversight by the New York State Public Service Commission. Security protocols involve coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York State Police, and local law enforcement including the Town of Ontario Police Department and Monroe County Sheriff's Office. Emergency planning incorporates FEMA's radiological guidance, exercises with American Red Cross, and notifications tied to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public health frameworks. Cybersecurity follows directives from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and sector-specific guidance from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.

Ownership and Economic Impact

Ownership transitioned through utilities such as Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation, NSTAR, Constellation Energy, and corporate structures linked to Exelon Corporation merger talks and regional asset sales regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The plant is a significant employer in Monroe County and contributes tax revenues to local entities including Town of Ontario, Town of Greece, and Monroe County, supporting schools like the Pittsford Central School District and regional hospitals such as Strong Memorial Hospital. Economic analyses by the New York Independent System Operator and state agencies evaluate its role in capacity markets, renewable integration with New York Independent System Operator planning, and interactions with transmission owners like National Grid plc and New York Transco.

Environmental Impact and Emergency Planning

Environmental permits involve the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and assessments consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency. Aquatic thermal discharges affect Lake Ontario ecosystems, requiring monitoring aligned with studies from University of Rochester, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and research by Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. Emergency planning zones coordinate with FEMA, New York State Emergency Management Office, Monroe County Health Department, and public communication channels including Federal Emergency Management Agency exercises and community outreach with organizations like the American Red Cross and United Way of Greater Rochester.

Category:Nuclear power stations in New York (state) Category:Buildings and structures in Monroe County, New York