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South Texas Project, Texas |
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Update: October 8, 2008
Next Update: October 2009 South Texas Project Net Generation and Capacity, 2007
Description: The twin reactors at the South Texas Project (STP) site, according to the unique reactors feature, were the largest reactors ever constructed in the United States.1 But even with four large reactors (including the two at Comanche Peak) and vast energy resources, Texas anticipates growth in demand will outpace current supply. Both of the Lone Star State's nuclear plants are planning to add reactors. According to Potential New Commercial Reactors in the United States , STP was the second company to file a combined license application for new reactors. As of September 30, 2008, a total of 14 applications have been submitted. South Texas, Unit 1
Nuclear Steam System Supplier (NSSS Vendor) = Westinghouse South Texas, Unit 2 Nuclear Steam System Supplier (NSSS Vendor) = Westinghouse Pressurized-Water Reactor (PWR) In a typical commercial pressurized light-water reactor (1) the reactor core generates heat, (2) pressurized-water in the primary coolant loop carries the heat to the steam generator, (3) inside the steam generator heat from the primary coolant loop vaporizes the water in a secondary loop producing steam, (4) the steam line directs the steam to the main turbine causing it to turn the turbine generator, which produces electricity. The unused steam is exhausted to the condenser where it is condensed into water. The resulting water is pumped out of the condenser with a series of pumps, reheated, and pumped back to the steam generator. The reactors core contains fuel assemblies which are cooled by water, which is force-circulated by electrically powered pumps. Emergency cooling water is supplied by other pumps, which can be powered by onsite diesel generators. Other safety systems, such as the containment cooling system, also need power.
Containment: According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the containment is dry, ambient pressure.2 _________________________________________ 1Subsequently, each of the three reactors at Palo Verde in Arizona were uprated and now exceed them in capacity.extrafootnote |
see also:
annual
nuclear statistics back to 1953
projected electricity capacity to 2030
international
electricity statistics