Braidwood Generating Station, Exelon's newest nuclear power station, is located in northeastern Illinois, about 60 miles southwest of Chicago in Will County. The station is built on a 4,457-acre site, and its cooling lake was formed from scarred farming land and an old strip mine. Its Units 1 and 2 began commercial operation in July and October of 1988, respectively. The initial construction cost for the station was $5.2 billion.
Both of Braidwood's units are pressurized water reactors designed by Westinghouse. Unit 1 is capable of generating 1,194 net megawatts of electricity, while Unit 2 is capable of generating 1,166 net megawatts. Together they can produce enough power to support the electricity needs of more than two million average American homes.
Braidwood’s Site Vice President is Amir Shahkarami. The Plant Manager is Larry Coyle.
Emergency Planning:
Braidwood employs a sophisticated emergency response plan to protect public health and safety. Both the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the state of Illinois approved the plan. The Emergency Planning includes coordination with local counties, municipalities and school districts.
Supporting the Local Economy:
Braidwood has about 825 Exelon employees. The majority of Braidwood's employees live in Grundy and Will counties. The station's annual payroll is about $63 million. Additionally, during refuel outages, Braidwood employs several hundred temporary contractors, who boost the local economy during their stay.
Exelon pays local real estate taxes totaling about $16.3 million every year to support county and township government, area schools, libraries, park districts and other taxing bodies.
Community Involvement:
Braidwood’s goal is to be a good neighbor and is very active in the local community. The station sponsor’s several community events including the Braidwood SummerFest Fireworks and the Braidwood Shootout, a 32-team basketball tournament held annually at Reed Custer High School. The station also sponsors numerous other community events and youth sports teams.
Braidwood employees give generously to the community through a variety of charitable activities including the local United Way chapters and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. The station also sponsors blood drives throughout the year, helping area blood banks supply the needs of area hospitals. The station's "Goodwill Committee" also runs food, toy and fund drives to support various community groups and agencies. In addition, the station is a member of the Braidwood Chamber of Commerce.
The station’s signature event is "Fishing for a Cure.” The annual tournament raises money for a new local charity selected each year by employees. Exelon pays the cost of staging the event, allowing 100% of the $100-per-boat entry fee, raffles and silent auctions to go directly to the charity.
In seven years, the event has raised nearly $130,000 for charity. The 2009 event, which benefited the charity Autism Speaks, raised $20,000 for charity.
To learn more about Braidwood Station read the Community Newsletter - news for Braidwood Generating Station's Neighbors.
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