Powering the Future, Today.
South Texas Project brings new energy, revenue to San Antonio
Two decades ago, it started as a way to deliver clean and affordable energy to San Antonio.
Since then, the South Texas Project (STP) nuclear power facility has evolved into a powerful economic force, one that pours revenue into the economies surrounding Bay City and beyond.
The STP plant, which is operated by STP Nuclear Operating Co. and owned by NRG Texas, CPS Energy and Austin Energy, currently houses two reactors. In 2007, officials filed an application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to build two additional reactors that could double energy production to meet growing energy demand. The application is under review by the NRC, and once approved will provide the go-ahead for the expansion.
“Even with the economic downturn, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas projects that demand for electricity in the state will increase in the next two decades,” says Mark McBurnett, vice president of oversight and regulatory affairs. “It only makes sense that nuclear has to play a larger role to help secure the state’s long-term energy future.”
The total cost of the proposed expansion is about $10 billion. CPS officials expect the two new units to be licensed by 2012 and online by 2017. The expansion will generate an additional 2,700 megawatts of electricity when the plant is operating at maximum capacity.
An expansion could provide an economic boost to the region. The development of STP units 3 and 4 are expected to create up to 4,000 contractor jobs, and will require 800 skilled, full-time employees once completed, according to STP.
STP officials are currently working with several community groups to review safety and procedural concerns related to the expansion.
“This is a robust, detailed process that involves public input, and discussions at the local, state, and federal levels,” says McBurnett. “We are continuing to work through the NRC’s licensing process, and expect a final decision on our applications in 2012.” TR
More information on the South Texas Project, a photo gallery of the facility and up-to-date status of the expansion project is available online.
Advanced Power Requires Advanced Work Force
A facility as advanced and dynamic as STP requires a highly trained work force, and an expansion project will only increase that demand for workers. To meet that need, STP officials created an associate degree program that was developed alongside local colleges that helps qualify students for apprenticeships at STP.
“As we plan for the future, we remain committed to attracting and retaining the work force necessary to staff units 3 and 4 and maintain the operational and financial excellence of the existing units,” says Clarence Fenner, work force development coordinator.
Students accepted into the project’s Educational Incentive Program get free tuition, books and a monthly stipend of $200 while earning a nuclear power technology degree under the program. Jobs at STP can be lucrative. According to STP, starting salaries average about $60,000 annually, and some positions top six figures.