STP’s Unit 2 began its 23rd scheduled refueling and maintenance outage on Friday, March 22, when the unit was safely taken offline to conduct work.
Several hundred industry craftsmen and specialists from across the country have come to the South Texas Project to support plant operators, maintenance, and technical personnel as they refuel the reactor and conduct maintenance activities for the unit’s ongoing reliability.
“Our purpose at STP is to power the lives of Texans, our families and communities,” said Kym Harshaw, STP’s Executive Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer.
“To fulfill that purpose, safety and reliability must be at the heart of everything we do. Refueling outages prepare the unit for continued safe and reliable generation for another operating cycle.”
During the Unit 2 outage, about one-third of the reactor’s fuel assemblies will be replaced with new ones.
In addition, thousands of maintenance activities are scheduled to enhance equipment reliability and numerous plant systems and components will be tested and inspected.
This is STP’s 47th refueling outage since beginning commercial operation in 1988.
STP’s two units are on an 18-month refueling cycle.
“Our team has completed significant planning and preparation to ensure that we thoroughly inspect, test and complete a large scope of work during this outage,” said Harshaw.
“This work will be done while maintaining the safest possible environment for all personnel.”
In addition to its history of safe and reliable operations, STP is a strong contributor to the local economy.
The broad economic impact that results from the influx of visiting workers during refueling outages benefits the community at large.
The temporary addition of skilled craft persons to our area brings additional business to all types of establishments, from restaurants to retail.
STP schedules refueling outages in the spring and fall when the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) electrical demand is lowest.
The plant is managed by the STP Nuclear Operating Company and owned by Constellation Energy, CPS Energy and Austin Energy. To learn more about STP, visit www.stpnoc.com
