PPL Susquehanna - Berwick PA

PPL : Susquehanna Nuclear Power Plant>Berwick, PA

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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.

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.

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.

Susquehanna plant sets generation record

For the second year in a row, PPL’s Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Luzerne County, Pa., has set a plant record for the amount of electricity generated.

The plant safely and reliably generated 19,492,431 megawatt-hours in 2009, beating the previous record of 19,046,288 megawatt-hours set in 2008. The electricity generated by the Susquehanna plant in 2009 is enough to power about 2 million typical homes.

Unit 1 at the plant also set its own generation record in 2009, producing 10,488,428 megawatt-hours and beating its previous record of 9,463,272 megawatt-hours set in 2007.

“Our dedicated employees, who are committed to safely and reliably operating and maintaining the Susquehanna plant, are responsible for this achievement,” said Timothy S. Rausch, PPL’s senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. “It’s a tribute to their hard work and skill.”

Bus tours available

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.

Joe Scopelliti, a 25-year veteran with PPL Corporation, is manager of community relations for the company’s Susquehanna nuclear power plant near Berwick, Pa.

Scopelliti is chairman of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, the Berwick Rotary Club and the local American Nuclear Society chapter.

He is a past chairman of the Berwick Area Chamber of Commerce, past chairman of Faith United Evangelical Lutheran Church Council and past campaign chair for the Berwick Area United Way.