Summer Raised Questions: How Might Power Plants Fare in Warming World?

"Rising seawater temperatures forced an unprecedented shutdown last month of a nuclear reactor on the Connecticut coast."

"Dominion Resources Inc. was forced to shutter Unit 2 of its Millstone nuclear plant in Waterford on Aug. 12 because water being drawn from Long Island Sound was too hot to cool emergency diesel generators and other safety-related equipment.

Dominion has recorded a steady rise in water temperatures at the plant since 1975, but the warmth recorded last month topped all, utility spokesman Ken Holt said. The plant's operating license requires that the 37-year-old reactor be shut down if cooling water tops 75 degrees Fahrenheit."

Hannah Northey and Hema Parmar report for Greenwire September 14, 2012.