Overview
Davis Besse is a 925.2 MW nuclear power plant in Ohio, United States, operated by FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company. It provides baseload electricity to the regional grid.
Davis Besse is a nuclear power plant located in Oak Harbor, Ohio, United States. With a capacity of 925.2 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale facility within the U.S. nuclear fleet. The plant is operated by FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company and has been in commercial operation since 1978. The plant uses a pressurized water reactor (PWR) design, a common technology for nuclear generation. As a nuclear facility, it operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which enforces strict safety and operational standards. The plant's output contributes to the regional power supply, supporting the grid's reliability. Davis Besse plays a significant role in providing low-carbon baseload power to the region. Its operation avoids substantial CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuel plants, aligning with broader environmental goals. The plant's location near Lake Erie provides access to cooling water, a key operational requirement for nuclear generation.
Environmental context
The plant's nuclear fuel type results in negligible CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions during operation, offering a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel generation. However, the facility's age (over 40 years) and proximity to Lake Erie raise considerations regarding thermal discharge and long-term waste management. The surrounding region has a mix of industrial and agricultural land use, with the plant's cooling water intake and discharge subject to Clean Water Act regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Davis Besse is located in Oak Harbor, Ohio, United States, on the shore of Lake Erie.
Davis Besse has a capacity of 925.2 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large nuclear power plant.
Davis Besse is operated by FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company.
As a U.S. nuclear plant, Davis Besse is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) under the Atomic Energy Act, with oversight on safety, security, and environmental compliance.
Davis Besse uses a pressurized water reactor (PWR), a common nuclear reactor design that uses pressurized water as both coolant and moderator.