Fermi 2 nuclear plant returns to full power

12/7/2017
BLADE STAFF
Fermi 2 in Newport, Michigan.
Fermi 2 in Newport, Michigan.

NEWPORT, Mich. — After operating at a reduced level for about 11 days, DTE Energy’s Fermi 2 nuclear plant in northern Monroe County returned to full power Wednesday.

John Austerberry, utility spokesman, said a problem was found in one of the plant’s two reactor re-circulation pumps after that piece of equipment stopped operating Nov. 25. While the plant was not taken offline, plant operators maintained the reactor at 40 percent power while repairs were made.

The problem did not impact plant safety systems, Mr. Austerberry said. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman Prema Chandrathil said the federal regulator had inspectors following actions, as it always does.