Discover the Largest Nuclear Power Plant in Texas (And What Lives Around It)

Written by Alan Lemus
Updated: September 23, 2023
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Nuclear power plants in Texas generate about 11% of the state’s total electricity. While that may not seem like a lot, it’s still a significant contribution to the state’s energy portfolio.

Compared to other energy sources in Texas, nuclear power has some advantages. For one, it’s a low-carbon energy source that doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, nuclear power plants can operate uninterrupted, unlike wind and solar power, which depend on weather conditions.

The STP has provided reliable and cost-effective electricity for millions of Texans for over 30 years.

But there are also some disadvantages to nuclear power. One primary concern is safety. Nuclear power plants can damage the environment and harm humans if there were to be a major accident or disaster. 

Another issue is nuclear waste disposal. The waste can remain radioactive for thousands of years.

Despite these concerns, nuclear power will likely continue to play a role in Texas’ energy mix in the coming years. Moreover, some experts believe that nuclear power will be crucial to meeting the state’s growing energy demands in the future.

Today, we discover the largest nuclear power plant in Texas. We also delve into the plant’s history, facilities, safety measures, and environmental and economic impact.

Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant

Of the two, the STP is larger than Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, making it Texas’ largest nuclear power plant.

©Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0 – License

The Largest Nuclear Power Plant in Texas

Texas has two main nuclear power plants. They are:

  • South Texas Nuclear Generating Station (STP)
  • Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant

Of the two, the STP is larger, making it Texas’ largest nuclear power plant.

coal-fired power plant

As opposed to coal-fired power plants, nuclear power plants are a low-carbon energy source that doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions.

©Tallmaple/Shutterstock.com

History

The STP has a rich and complex history that spans several decades.

Background Information

The STP was first proposed in the early 1970s when the demand for electricity in Texas was rapidly increasing. The project was a joint venture of the following:

  • San Antonio City
  • Austin City
  • Lower Colorado River Authority

After several years of planning and preparation, the project received regulatory approval in 1975, and construction began soon after. 

The project faced numerous challenges during its construction phase, including:

  • Environmental concerns
  • Budgetary constraints
Cooling towers of nuclear power plant

The STP was first proposed in the early 1970s when the demand for electricity in Texas was rapidly increasing.

©Wlad74/Shutterstock.com

Construction and Commissioning

The plant’s construction took nearly a decade and was completed in 1988. 

The commissioning of the plant was a major milestone in the project’s history. 

The plant’s first reactor achieved criticality in August 1988 and the second one a few months later. Finally, after several months of testing, the plant was declared commercially operational in 1989.

Operational History

The STP has operated successfully for over three decades, providing reliable and cost-effective electricity to millions of Texans. 

The plant has a strong safety record and has undergone several upgrades and modernizations to ensure its continued safe operation.

In recent years, the plant has faced some challenges, including:

  • Decreased demand for electricity
  • Competition from other energy sources

Despite these challenges, the plant remains essential to Texas’ energy infrastructure and is expected to continue operating for many more years.

Facilities and Generating Capacity

As mentioned earlier, the STP is one of Texas’s two main nuclear power plants. So let’s find out more about it.

Reactors

The STP has two pressurized water reactors, each housed in a containment building designed to withstand natural and manmade disasters such as:

  • Earthquakes
  • Hurricanes
  • Terrorist attacks 

The reactors employ nuclear fission to generate heat that’s used to produce steam to drive turbines.

Generating Capacity

The two reactors at the STP have a combined generating capacity of around 2,700 MW. This is sufficient to supply electricity to roughly two million households in Texas. The plant day and night throughout the week. It typically generates electricity at around 90% of its capacity.

Other Facilities

In addition to the reactors, the STP has various other facilities, including:

  • Cooling towers
  • Fuel storage pools
  • Administrative buildings

The plant employs over 1,200 people, including engineers, technicians, and support staff. The STP also has a visitor center that offers tours and educational programs about nuclear power.

Safety Measures

control panel of nuclear power plant

The STP is designed to be safe and secure, with a range of safety measures in place to protect the plant’s public and workers.

©Vladimir Mulder/Shutterstock.com

The STP is designed to be safe and secure, with a range of safety measures in place to protect the plant’s public and workers.

Emergency Response Plan

The STP has an emergency response plan that outlines procedures to be followed in an accident or other emergency. 

The plan is regularly updated and tested to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

Safety Features

The plant has numerous safety features, including:

  • Redundant safety systems
  • Multiple barriers to prevent the release of radiation
  • Extensive monitoring and control systems. 

The reactors are designed to shut down automatically in an emergency, and the containment buildings are built to withstand extreme events such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

Security Measures

The STP has a comprehensive security program to prevent unauthorized access to the plant and protect against threats such as sabotage and terrorism. The program includes:

  • Physical barriers
  • Security cameras
  • Armed guards

Regulatory Oversight

The STP is subject to regulatory oversight from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and other federal and state agencies. 

These agencies conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure that the plant operates safely and complies with all regulations and guidelines.

Community Outreach

The STP maintains an ongoing dialogue with the surrounding community to keep residents informed about safety issues and address any concerns. 

The plant also conducts regular outreach and educational programs to help residents prepare for emergencies and understand the benefits and risks of nuclear power.

Environmental Impact

fuel tanks

The STP produces low-level radioactive waste in the form of used fuel rods and other materials.

©pumatokoh/Shutterstock.com

The STP has some potential environmental impacts due to its operation. But the plant has taken steps to minimize its impact on the surrounding environment.

Water Use

The STP uses large amounts of water for cooling, which can impact local water resources. 

But the plant has implemented water conservation measures, such as:

  • Using recycled water
  • Minimizing water use during times of drought

Air Emissions

The plant doesn’t produce any air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide, during its operation. 

But there is a potential risk of accidental releases of radioactive materials during routine maintenance or in the event of an emergency.

Radioactive Waste

The STP produces low-level radioactive waste in the form of used fuel rods and other materials. This waste is stored on-site in pools and dry casks, and the plant has plans to eventually transport it to a permanent disposal site.

Habitat Conservation

The plant has established a habitat conservation program to protect and enhance the surrounding habitat. This program includes activities such as:

  • Invasive species control
  • Habitat restoration
  • Wildlife monitoring

Human Population Around the Plant

radioactive danger sign

The STP has an emergency response plan to protect people’s health and safety in an emergency.

©Milan Sommer/Shutterstock.com

The STP is located in a region with a significant human population. Therefore, the plant has taken measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the surrounding communities.

Emergency Preparedness

The STP has an emergency response plan to protect people’s health and safety in an emergency. The plan includes:

  • Procedures for evacuation
  • Sheltering
  • Communication with the public

Health Effects

The STP has been operating for over 30 years. Studies have shown no significant increase in cancer rates or other health effects in the surrounding communities. The plant has implemented a monitoring program to ensure radiation levels remain within safe limits.

Wildlife Around the Plant

A Texas horned lizard resting on a rock with a blurred stone background.

A Texas horned lizard resting on a rock with a blurred stone background.

©iStock.com/Shoemcfly

The STP is located in an area with a rich diversity of wildlife, including:

  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Mammals

The plant has taken measures to minimize its effect on the surrounding wildlife.

Fish and Aquatic Life

The STP uses large amounts of water for cooling, which can impact local fish and other aquatic life. The plant has implemented measures to minimize the impact, such as:

  • Using screens to prevent fish from being drawn into the cooling water intake
  • Minimizing the temperature of the water released back into the environment

Birds

The STP is situated in an area that is a major migratory path for birds. The plant has implemented measures to minimize bird strikes, such as:

  • Using reflective tape on transmission lines
  • Modifying lighting to reduce bird attraction

Mammals

The STP is also home to various mammals like deer and coyotes. The plant has established a habitat conservation program to protect and enhance the surrounding habitat, benefiting the local mammal populations.

Endangered Species

The STP is located in an area home to several endangered species, such as the Texas horned lizard and the Attwater’s prairie chicken

The plant has worked with local conservation groups to implement measures to protect and enhance the habitat of these species.

Economic Impact

The STP has a significant economic impact on the surrounding communities and the state of Texas.

Job Creation

The STP is a major employer in the region. It provides jobs to over 1,200 employees and supports 1,500 contractor positions. 

The plant also supports many indirect jobs in the surrounding communities, such as vendors and suppliers.

Tax Revenue

The STP contributes to the local and state tax base, generating millions in annual tax revenue. This revenue supports public services such as:

  • Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Infrastructure

Energy Production

The STP is a significant electricity producer, providing power to over two million homes and businesses in Texas. In addition, the plant’s reliable and affordable power contributes to the state’s economic development.

Economic Development

The STP has contributed to the economic development of the surrounding communities. The plant has supported the development of local businesses and infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals, and schools. 

The plant also sponsors community events and provides funding for educational programs.

The Future of Nuclear Power in Texas

nuclear power plant under construction

In 2008, plans were announced to construct two new nuclear reactors at the STP site.

©hlopex/Shutterstock.com

There has been interest in expanding nuclear power in Texas.

Proposed Expansion

In 2008, plans were announced to construct two new nuclear reactors at the STP site. But the project was put on hold due to a decrease in energy demand and concerns over the project’s cost. 

However, there has been renewed interest in nuclear power in Texas in recent years. Consequently, there are plans to reevaluate the proposed expansion.

Advantages of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power has several advantages as an energy source, including:

  • Its reliability
  • Low emissions
  • The ability to produce large amounts of electricity

In addition, nuclear power is not affected by fluctuations in fuel prices, making it a stable energy source.

Challenges of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power also poses several challenges, including:

  • The risk of accidents
  • The long-term storage of nuclear waste

The high initial cost of constructing a nuclear power plant is also a barrier to entry.

The Future of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power’s future in Texas and the United States is uncertain. While nuclear power has many advantages as an energy source, it also poses significant risks and challenges. 

The decision to expand nuclear power in Texas will depend on a variety of factors, including:

  • Energy demand
  • Cost
  • Public opinion

Where is South Texas Nuclear Generating Station on a Map?

The South Texas Project Electric Generating Station, located in the southwestern region of Bay City, Texas, is a nuclear power facility spanning a vast 12,200-acre site positioned west of the Colorado River, approximately 90 miles southwest of Houston.

Here is The South Texas Project Electric Generating Statio on a map:

Key Takeaways

The STP is Texas’ largest nuclear power plant. It has been important in providing reliable and affordable energy to Texas for over 30 years. The plant has a strong safety record, and numerous measures are in place to ensure the safety of the plant’s employees and the surrounding communities.

While the STP has been a significant economic contributor to the region, there are concerns about the plant’s environmental impact and the future of nuclear power in Texas.

As Texas considers its energy future, it will be important to carefully evaluate the advantages and challenges of nuclear power. While nuclear power has many benefits as an energy source, it also poses significant risks and challenges.

Overall, the STP has been an important part of Texas’ energy landscape, and its future will continue to be an important topic for discussion. As Texas works towards a sustainable and secure energy future, it will be important to consider a diverse range of energy sources and to prioritize the safety and well-being of its residents and the environment.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Trong Nguyen/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Alan is a freelance writer and an avid traveler. He specializes in travel content. When he visits home he enjoys spending time with his family Rottie, Opie.

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