Entergy Corporation's Indian Point unit 3 will be shut down tomorrow after nearly 60 years of nuclear power generation at the site in New York state. The closure will bring to an end a world record-breaking run for the pressurised water reactor (PWR). //

Entergy announced in 2017 that it would shut down both operating PWRs at the Indian Point Energy Center, citing factors that include sustained low current and projected wholesale energy prices that have reduced revenues. Unit 2 was shut down as scheduled on 30 April 2020.

"Indian Point has been operated and maintained at the highest levels of reliability, safety and security for many years, and unit 3 has been online continuously since April 9, 2019 - setting a new world record for continuous days of operation," Entergy Chief Nuclear Officer Chris Bakken said. "Indian Point's enduring legacy will be the thousands of men and women who operated the plant safely, reliably, and securely, while helping to power New York City and the lower Hudson Valley for nearly 60 years. We owe those who serve now, along with those who came before them, a debt of gratitude."

Unit 3's final uninterrupted operating run of 751 days since its last refuelling, in April 2019, is a new world record for commercial light water reactors. The 1041 MWe unit earlier this month passed the previous record of 739 continuous days set in 2006 by Exelon's LaSalle unit 1. //

In the 20 years under Entergy's ownership, combined gross generation from units 2 and 3 averaged around 17 million MWh per year - up from 10 million MWh per year previously. Entergy described the plant as a "workhorse" for the southeastern New York electrical grid, generating some 25% of the power consumed annually in New York City and the lower Hudson Valley.

New York State in 2016 adopted legislation explicitly recognising the zero-carbon contribution of nuclear power plants and protecting the continued operation of the Nine Mile Point, RE Ginna and James A Fitzpatrick plants, which are located in the "upstate" region. The state had, however, opposed Entergy's application to renew Indian Point's operating licences and the plant, which is located 24 miles (39 kilometres) from New York City, was not included in the legislation.