How does Progress Energy manage used nuclear fuel?

Progress Energy currently uses wet storage pools (concrete-and-steel, water-filled vaults) and dry storage canisters to store spent nuclear fuel. The company has managed used nuclear fuel and other spent fuel by-products safely and efficiently for more than 35 years. To date, no permanent used fuel disposal exists because the U.S. government has not fulfilled its commitment to open and operate a permanent spent fuel repository. Progress Energy customers have contributed more than $660 million to the high-level nuclear waste fund to support the effort to develop a permanent disposal facility.

How long is the onsite storage of spent fuel safe?

The onsite storage facilities are designed to store spent fuel safely for as long as necessary. Progress Energy supports the construction of a permanent federal repository for used nuclear fuel at Yucca Mountain, Nev. Meanwhile, the company will continuously update and upgrade the spent fuel facilities at the company's nuclear plants to ensure safe and secure storage onsite.

Would you build above-ground storage at the new site?

Initially, a new plant would include pool storage for spent fuel rods. Plans for onsite storage beyond the pool storage would be made in future years, as dictated by a number of factors, including the status of a central, federally run repository.

All used nuclear fuel must be stored in pools for at least five years after it is taken out of reactors. Progress Energy has above-ground, dry-cask storage in use at one plant in the Carolinas (and planned for a second plant) and expects to implement dry-cask storage at the Crystal River plant in Citrus County, Fla., around 2012. The company thinks both methods are equally safe and evaluates the safest and most economical solution for each site.

Can this plan proceed if the Yucca Mountain national repository doesn't open?

Yes. A permanent federal repository is the best option, but used fuel rods can be stored safely and securely onsite as long as needed.