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Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station

In July 1999, Pilgrim Station, located in historic Plymouth, Mass., became the first nuclear power plant in the country to be sold through a competitive bid process to current owner, Entergy. Founded as a Separatist colony in 1620, the town of Plymouth has been home to Pilgrim Station since the plant opened in 1972 and is the town's second largest non-government employer, with more than 650 workers.

Community involvement and corporate giving have long been a hallmark of Entergy's corporate philosophy. This tradition continues with Pilgrim's strong commitment to being a "good neighbor" to the communities surrounding Pilgrim, bolstered by the participation of many Pilgrim employees in charitable and civic events demonstrating their commitment to the community.

Through the plant's charitable initiatives, Entergy makes donations annually to a wide variety of non-profit organizations, schools, diversity/inclusion and community-minded groups located in and around Plymouth. Entergy also donates thousands of dollars each year to organizations that cater to arts & culture, community improvement/enrichment and the environment.

Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station

 

Owner:

Entergy Nuclear Generation Co.

Maximum Dependable Capacity: 688 MW

Reactor Type:

Boiling Water Reactor

Reactor Manufacturer:

General Electric

Turbine Generator Manufacturer:

General Electric

Architect/Engineer:

Bechtel Power

Commercial Operation Date:

12/9/1972

License Expiration Date:

6/8/2012

Environmental Impact

Generating electricity with nuclear energy prevents the emission of pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with burning fossil fuels.

* During 2010, environmental emissions avoided due to nuclear power plant operation in Massachusetts included 7,000 tons of sulfur dioxide, 1,500 tons of nitrogen oxide and 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Emissions of SO2 lead to the formation of acid rain. NOx is a key precursor of both ground-level ozone and smog. Greenhouse gases like CO2 contribute to global warming.

* Source: Emissions avoided by nuclear power are calculated using regional fossil fuel emissions rates from the Environmental Protection Agency and plant generation data from the Energy Information Administration.