The company, which is also suggesting an 800 MW battery storage project and 700 MW of gas-fired generation that could be switched to carbon-free hydrogen fuel in the future, says its combined plans could lead to the US state’s clean energy share increasing from 50% to 70%.
The plans for the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center include 20-year life extensions for the two units which would otherwise shut down in 2034 and 2036. Constellation also says it can invest in uprates to increase the two pressurised water reactors’ current 1,790 capacity by a further 190 MW. Calvert Cliffs is Maryland’s only nuclear power plant and produces about 40% of Maryland’s total power generation and 80% of the state’s clean power generation.
With energy demands forecast to increase sharply in the coming decades, Constellation said it “will explore building 2,000 megawatts of new, next-generation nuclear at Calvert Cliffs, effectively doubling the site’s output and creating enough clean generation to power future economic growth”.
The company said it could bring forward these developments in Maryland “at the lowest possible cost to consumers, provided we have clear direction and enabling legislation from Maryland’s policymakers”.
Joe Dominguez, president and CEO of Constellation, said: “Today, we announce an ambitious plan to make billions of dollars of new investments in Maryland without seeking any electricity rate increases, including options ranging from new natural gas to battery storage and nuclear energy.
“What is clear to us is that we must build and retain resources that produce abundant, reliable and clean power. The best way we know to do that is to make state-of-the-art investments in our state’s existing nuclear, hydroelectric and renewable energy resources to get them to operate better and longer, and then to build on top of that great foundation.
“We are excited to work with Governor Moore, other state policymakers, and all Maryland stakeholders to investigate the development of new nuclear power in our state just as dozens of states across America are doing today. Importantly, all our investments have been, and will be, done without any cost to Maryland families and businesses. We are not now, and never will be, a monopoly that seeks guaranteed profits. We are a company that competes for its opportunities just like all our hardworking customers do – every single day. Maryland is our home state and Constellation looks forward to continuing to offer competitive and innovative solutions to our state to create a prosperous and brighter future for Maryland families and businesses.”
