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The technology is complex, but the basic premise is simple: make steam to turn a turbine that spins a generator to make electricity. The Susquehanna plant uses the energy released by splitting atoms to make steam. Click here to see an animated view of how it works.
The Susquehanna plant uses the energy of nuclear fission to make steam. The heat produced when uranium atoms are split causes water in the reactor to boil.
Steam produced in the reactor passes through turbines. Each turbine has rings of fan-like metal blades. As steam passes over the blades, the turbines turn very fast.
The turbines are connected to a generator, where an electromagnet spins inside a ring of copper wire to produce electricity.
When the steam has done its work, it is cooled, turning back into water that is pumped back into the reactor to begin the cycle all over again. | | 
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Visit the Susquehanna plant
If you are looking for a free, fun and educational activity for the family, stop at the Susquehanna Energy Information Center on Route 11 for a guided visit to the nuclear power plant.
The Information Center is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To schedule a group presentation, call 1-866-832-3312.
As a corporation, and as individuals, we understand our responsibility to do the right thing. Read PPL's Corporate Responsibility Report. | |
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PPL Susquehanna welcomes new chief nuclear officer
Tim Rausch, PPL’s new chief nuclear officer, is a firm believer in the benefits of a strong relationship between the community and the Susquehanna nuclear power plant. “I appreciate the support we have in this community,” Rausch said. “I also believe in giving back to the community. PPL and its employees have had a long history of being involved in these communities and that will continue.”
A 25-year veteran of the nuclear power business who has worked at plants in New Jersey and Ohio, he values support from plant neighbors, and how the plant and its employees contribute to the economic and social well-being of the community.
Rausch credited the employees of PPL Susquehanna for being a positive presence in the community, whether it’s through United Way or volunteering with local charitable organizations, youth sports and scouting organizations. “What attracted me to PPL was its tradition of being a people-oriented company, and a company that respects its communities and works to make things better,” Rausch said. |
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Longtime employee named plant manager
Jeffrey M. Helsel, who has nearly 30 years of experience at the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, has been named plant manager.
Helsel has been manager of Nuclear Training at PPL Susquehanna since last year and had served as Nuclear Operations manager at the plant for four years prior to that. He began his Susquehanna career in 1981 as an auxiliary system operator. Among other positions, he worked as a plant control operator, unit supervisor, outage supervisor and shift supervisor before being named Nuclear Operations manager in 2004.
A native of Cambria County, Helsel earned an associate degree in nuclear engineering technology from The Pennsylvania State University and is completing a bachelor’s degree in nuclear technology at Excelsior College. He also maintained an active Nuclear Regulatory Commission operator license for 20 years. |
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Bus tours continuing this fall
The public is invited for free perimeter bus tours around PPL’s Susquehanna power plant, offering a unique look at how the plant works and how it generates electricity reliably without fossil fuels or greenhouse gas emissions.
Tours last about 45 minutes. Guests meet at the Susquehanna Energy Information Center, 634 Salem Blvd., across the road and down the hill from the plant where they get an overview of nuclear energy and plant history.
To arrange a tour, call toll-free 1-866-832-3312. Arrangements should be made in advance for large group and individual tours.
Did you know PPL offers hundreds of free environmental education programs each year at its preserves? Keep track of what is going on in your area by following us on Twitter or check out the calendar of events at www.pplpreserves.com.
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Joe Scopelliti, a 23-year veteran with PPL Corporation, has been named manager of community relations for the company’s Susquehanna nuclear power plant near Berwick, Pa.
Scopelliti is a member of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, Shamokin Area Industrial Corp., Tri-Chamber Foundation Inc., Milton Area Industrial Development Association Committee, Berwick Rotary Club and local American Nuclear Society chapter.
He is a past chairman of the Berwick Area Chamber of Commerce, chairman of Faith United Evangelical Lutheran Church and campaign chair for the Berwick Area United Way.
He is active in fundraising for the Berwick Area United Way, the United Way of Columbia County, the Columbia-Montour Council of Boy Scouts of America and the Berwick Area YMCA. | |
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