Basic Facts:

  • Location: Zion, Illinois
  • Owner: Exelon Corporation
  • Total Construction Cost: $3.3B (2018$)
  • Total Plant Output: 2,080 MW (combined)
  • Property Size: 330 acres
  • Status: Decommissioning
  • Current DTF Balance: $96M (2018$)
  • Decommissioning Cost Estimate: $85M (2018$)
  • Spent Nuclear Fuel on Site: 1,019 metric tons
Zion Photo

Background

Zion 1 and 2 was a dual-unit pressurized water reactor facility that produced 2,080 MW of electricity. The plant began construction in 1968 and in 1976 the NRC authorized Zion to operate at full power. In 1998 the plant owners permanently retired Units 1 and 2 as the cost of needed repairs would be uneconomical given the expiration of the plant’s operating license in 2013.

Decommissioning

In 2010, the NRC approved the transfer of Exelon’s NRC license to Energy Solutions, the decommissioning contractor. In 2015, spent nuclear fuel was transferred to on site dry storage and decommissioning is expected to be complete in 2020.

Socioeconomics

Zion is located in Lake County, Illinois. As of 2016:

  • Population: 700,000
  • Per Capita Annual Income: $73,000
  • Unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted): 4.4%

While in operation the plant contributed approximately $20M annually in property taxes to the City of Zion, representing over 50% of the local tax base. Following the plant’s closure in 1998, the facility now generates approximately $500,000 in annual tax payments.

Contact Information

Economic Development Administration Representative:

University Center

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Unless specific costing information has been provided, decommissioning costs were derived from 2017 Decommissioning Funding Status Report.
Information herein obtained from public sources. Corrections are welcome and may be directed to [email protected].

(802) 345-7044

Connect

Blog

Contact

Download our

free report

Discover tools and information for improving project outcomes and
catalyzing economic recovery

Scroll to Top