Indian Point: Reenergize New York!
From Riverkeeper.org
Indian Point Power is Replaceable, Concludes National Academy Study
On June 6, 2006 the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released its long awaited study "Alternatives to the Indian Point Energy Center for Meeting New York Electric Power Needs." The report, prepared with funding secured by New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey, concludes that the electricity produced by Indian Point is replaceable and New York has a ready supply of alternative energy sources at its disposal to ensure energy reliability without Indian Point in the energy pool. The report states that "the committee has identified no technical obstacles that it believes present insurmountable barriers to the replacement of Indian Point's capacity, energy, and ancillary services...if a decision were definitely made to close all or some part of Indian Point by a date certain, the committee anticipates that a technically feasible replacement strategy for Indian Point would be achievable." This "replacement strategy" would focus on three key areas; investing in improving conservation and energy efficiency, improving the transmission infrastructure for southeast New York, and increasing generation capacity to replace some of Indian Point's 2,000 MW.
The study also acknowledges the political and regulatory challenges that must be met in order to make the transition to a clean, safe energy future without Indian Point. Chief among these is the renewal of Article X, state law that established an expedited permitting process for siting and building new power plants. Article X expired on January 1, 2003. While it was in force, it provided a centralized, expedited process of environmental permitting for new power plants, based on a one year review period once an application is received. The applications were reviewed by officials from the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The ultimate decision to grant a construction and operating permit was made by a board made up of officials from PSC, DEC, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and other state agencies, as well as two citizens who reside near the proposed facility. Despite the short decision period, there are multiple opportunities for public comment, both written and at public hearings. In addition, local municipalities and individuals within a five mile radius of the facility were granted automatic intervenor status. The board reviewing the application considered a wide range of environmental, economic and social impacts before making their decision. In the absence of Article X, electric power plant developers must obtain all the necessary permits separately, rather than an integrated permit under Article X, as well as undergoing a lengthy environmental review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). The NAS study recommends renewing Article X with some modifications, including developing procedures to address the expansion or "repowering" of existing plants. Repowering refers to the modification of older, dirtier power plants to burn cleaner fossil fuels, such as natural gas, more efficiently. For example, an older coal-burning plant with outdated pollution technology could be repowered into a combined cycle natural gas plant that operates twice as efficiently and contributes less air pollutants and greenhouse gases to the environment.
The NAS study analyzed the replacement of Indian Point under two timeframes. The first assumed retiring Indian Point 2 and 3 in the next three to five years, from 2008-2010. Under this scenario, the study found it would be very difficult to maintain the reliability of the electrical grid based on current and future electricity demand, and would result in a loss of reserve capacity that is needed in case of unplanned plant shutdowns or extremely high demand during peak summer hours. On the other hand, the second timeframe yielded much more favorable results. If Indian Point 2 and 3 were retired at the end of their current operating licenses in 2013 and 2015, respectively, there would be no major disruption of power capacity for the New York metropolitan region, based on several conditions being met. Basically, sufficient resources would have to be added to the regional electric system to cover the growth in demand and the retirement of older plants, including Indian Point. The study found that 5,000 to 5,500 MW of additional resources would be needed and could be available from a combination of new generation, conservation and efficiency initiatives and transmission upgrades. The report makes it clear that approximately 3,300 MW of new resources must be found whether Indian Point is retired or not. This highlights the critical need for a comprehensive, statewide energy policy that will address the upcoming energy crunch in a progressive, environmentally responsible manner.
In outlining the details of a successful replacement strategy, the NAS panel emphasized the importance of improving the transmission infrastructure in this region. For example, a proposed north to south direct transmission line could bring 1,000 MW of electricity from upstate New York and Canada to southeast New York, and could be completed between 2010-2015. This type of upgrade would help relieve the bottleneck that currently hinders the transmission of surplus upstate electricity to the downstate region where demand is higher.
Conservation measures, otherwise referred to as "demand-side options" can be implemented to lower demand and increase efficiency. The report notes that "substantial cost-effective opportunities exist for investment in demand side technologies that could reduce the demand for electricity in southeast New York," and predicts that demand could be reduced by 1100 MW by 2010, and 1700 MW by 2015. While these are ambitious goals, the report finds they are achievable, if sufficient resources are allocated to design and implement effective programs in the next several years.
Additional generation of electricity to offset the loss of Indian Point would likely come from single cycle and combined cycle natural gas plants, as well as expansion of renewable energy sources such as offshore wind power and distributed solar (photovoltaic).
This independent study proves, once and for all, that the New York metropolitan area can make the transition to a cleaner, safer energy future that does not include the Indian Point nuclear power plant. With the right combination of political will and citizen participation this vision can become a reality in the next five to seven years.
To review the complete NAS report on Indian Point, go to
http://newton.nap.edu/catalog/11666.htmlÂ