Nuclear security

Officials: Fire/Explosion Reported at US Nuclear Plant — Emergency Alert Declared — Fire/Explosion occurred after “unexpected power decrease” in reactor — “Emergency response facilities staffed” — “Abnormal event with potential to impact plant equipment or public health and safety” (VIDEO)

At 1346 EST the licensee reported that at 1326, Brunswick Unit 1 declared an Alert under EAL HA 2.1 due to an explosion/fire in the Balance of Plant 4 kV switchgear bus area. Prior to the Alert declaration, the operators initiated a manual SCRAM due to an unexpected power decrease from 88% to 40%. The licensee has visually verified that there is no ongoing fire and is investigating the initial cause of the event. Offsite power is available to the site, but EDGs 1 and 2 are running and supplying Unit 1 loads. The MSIVs shut and HPCI/RCIC are being used to maintain vessel level. At 1412 EST, NRC decided to remain in Normal Mode.