First nuclear in 30 years

NRG Energy, Inc., Princeton, N.J., and South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Co.(STP) announced in September filing of a construction and operating license application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for two new units at the STP nuclear power station site—the first such filing in almost 30 years.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff December 1, 2007

NRG Energy, Inc., Princeton, N.J., and South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Co.(STP) announced in September filing of a construction and operating license application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for two new units at the STP nuclear power station site—the first such filing in almost 30 years.

The total rated capacity of the new units, STP 3 and 4, will equal or exceed 2,700 MW. NRG expects to bring the units on line in 2014 and 2015. STP 3 and 4 are being developed as part of the company’s initiative to build approximately 10,000 MW of generation facilities that leverage NRG’s existing facilities’ infrastructure.

STP currently operates units 1 and 2, and will operate the new units as well. The STP site in Matagorda County, Texas is considered to be one of the best sites in America for nuclear expansion. The 12,220-acre site and 7,000-acre cooling reservoir were originally designed for four units. The two new units will be built adjacent to the currently operating STP units 1 and 2.