Exelon Generation, operator of the largest nuclear fleet in the U.S., has awarded a more than $140 million integrated outage contract to Wilmington-based GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, according to an announcement Wednesday.

The contract covers the utility’s entire fleet of boiling water reactor nuclear energy facilities and three pressurized water reactor units, a news release said.

Under the outage services agreement, which runs through the completion of the spring 2021 outage season, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) will provide a full portfolio of outage and inspection services to Exelon’s fleet of 15 boiling water reactor units throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Northeast, according to the release.

In addition, GEH will service the R.E. Ginna pressurized water reactor (PWR) units in Ontario, New York, and the two PWRs at Calvert Cliffs in Lusby, Maryland. 

“Our partnership with Exelon is long-standing and we’re pleased to be chosen to continue to support the safe and efficient operation of plants that provide clean electricity to millions of homes and businesses,” said Lance Hall, executive vice president, nuclear services, GEH, in the release. “Whether it’s through outage services or our recently announced digital partnership, we’re excited to help Exelon deliver on the industry’s initiative to advance safety, reliability and economic performance.”  

The agreement includes assisting with refuel floor activities and performing under-vessel and inspection services for Exelon’s PWRs, which combined have the capacity to power about 14 million homes with carbon-free electricity.

In the fall of 2015, GEH completed its first PWR services outage at the R.E. Ginna plant. The outage, in partnership with Exelon, was completed under budget and ahead of schedule with no safety-related or human performance issues, according to the release.

Through this agreement, GEH will support two outages at R.E. Ginna and two outages at each of the Calvert Cliffs PWR units. 

When asked what impact the contract will have on Wilmington employees, GEH spokesman Jonathan Allen said, "Contracts like this ensure stability for the employees who perform this critical work for our customers."

In February, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy officials said GEH would be facing layoffs at its facility in Castle Hayne, but did not provide the number of positions that would be affected.