OREANDA-NEWS. Operators removed Calvert Cliffs’ Unit 1 from service early this morning for a planned refueling and maintenance outage. Unit 2 remains at full power.  

During the outage, workers will replace about one-third of the reactor’s fuel and perform maintenance activities, tests and safety inspections on a variety of plant components and systems. Many of the activities performed during the outage cannot be accomplished while the unit is online. 

“Scheduled refueling outages allow us to update equipment, ensuring the plant uses the most up-to-date technology,” said Site Vice President George Gellrich. “To complete this important work, more than 1,500 additional nuclear professionals will be on-site, providing a crucial boost to the local economy during the winter season.”

Calvert Cliffs is located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County and is Maryland’s only nuclear energy facility.  The station is home to two pressurized water reactors capable of generating 1,756 megawatts combined. Units 1 and 2 began commercial operation in 1975 and 1977, respectively.