Hanford Reactor Sets All-Time Energy Generation Record in 2018

In the 34 year history of operation, the Columbia Generating Station at Hanford has never created as much electrical energy as it did in 2018.

According to Energy Northwest Officials, the only operational nuclear power plant at Hanford sent over 9.7 million megawatt hours of electricity to the grid, surpassing the old record of 9.6 which was set in 2016.

According to officials:

"Columbia’s electricity output has steadily increased since 2011 in response to maintenance and upgrades that have added about 60 megawatts to its capacity. Columbia now has an output of 1,207 megawatts (gross), or enough clean energy to power Seattle and part of its metro area. 

Since 2012 Columbia performed at an average capacity factor of 92 percent. Capacity factor refers to the amount of electricity a power plant produces compared to operational potential. According to the Energy Information Administration, national capacity factor averages are 55 percent for coal plants, about 50 for natural gas, 43 for hydro (closer to 50 for Northwest hydro, according to the Bonneville Power Administration), 35 for wind and 25 for solar."

The plant has set performance records in five of the last 7 years of operation.