The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a greater number of so-called "uprates" or capacity increases sought by individual nuclear power plants, the EIA said in its monthly energy supply and demand report."Nuclear plant owners have filed applications with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for uprates for many years, however there have recently been many more and larger uprates sought," the EIA said. "There were applications for uprates at 22 units in 2001, and an equal number is expected through 2003."
An expansion project can add as much as 20 percent to a plant's capacity, the EIA said.
In 2001, about 295 megawatts was added to U.S. nuclear power generation through plant uprates.
This year, an extra 994 megawatts is expected from U.S. nuclear plant expansions. In 2003, an additional 644 megawatts is projected, the EIA said.