History
The selection of the present site for Palo Verde was controversial. Critics claim that the site was not the first choice because it was in the middle of nowhere, had no water supply, and because of the prevailing westerly winds, put the Phoenix-Metro area into jeopardy in the event of a major accident. Critics claimed that that site was selected over alternatives because it was owned by a relative of Keith Turley, who received almost $2 million for the land. Keith Turley was the president of APS, and a member of the Phoenix 40. Units 1 and 2 went into commercial operation in 1986 and Unit 3 in 1988.
On November 18, 2005, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced approval of uprates at two of Palo Verde's reactors. According to the NRC press release, "The power uprates at each unit, located near Phoenix, Arizona, increases the net generating capacity of the reactors from 1,270 to 1,313 and 1,317 megawatts electric, respectively, for Units 1 and 3. The licensee intends to implement the uprate by the end of December for Unit 1, and by the end of 2007 for Unit 3."
On April 21, 2011, the NRC renewed the operating licenses for Palo Verde's three reactors, extending their service lives from forty to sixty years.
Read more about this topic: Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station
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