Turbine likely behind fire at Michigan nuclear plant
The utility says the fire in Unit 1 of the plant in Berrien County's Lake Township began when turbine vibrations caused a generator to leak hydrogen that ignited.
The Columbus, Ohio-based utility says fire damage is minimal but the vibrations more seriously damaged turbines, bearing supports and some steam piping.
An imbalance from the loss of turbine rotor blades probably caused the vibrations.
It will take one to three weeks to complete turbine inspections, then officials will have a better idea of when they can restart the reactor.
Related News
Is nuclear power really in decline?
LONDON - By Kirill Komarov, Chairman, World Nuclear Association.
As Europe and the wider world begins to wake up to the need to cut emissions, Dr Kirill Komarov argues that tackling climate change will see the use of nuclear energy grow in the coming years, not as a competitor to renewables but as a competitor to coal.
The nuclear industry keeps making headlines and spurring debates on energy policy. With each new build project, the detractors of nuclear power crowd the bandwagon to portray renewables as an easy and cheap alternative to ‘increasingly costly’ nuclear: if solar and wind are virtually free…
