Nuclear reactors to be built outside of Houston?

[babylonsister]

NRG to Seek Permit for Nuclear Reactors


By MATTHEW L. WALD
Published: September 24, 2007

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 — An independent power producer expects to ask the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Tuesday for permission to build two nuclear reactors at a site 90 miles southwest of Houston, the first time since the mid-1970’s that a company has sought approval to build a nuclear power plant in the United States.

The company, NRG Energy, based in Princeton, N.J., is seeking to build a General Electric model now used in Japan and under construction in Taiwan but untried in the United States. The announcement Tuesday will be a decision to seek a combined construction and operating license under a new process meant to avoid the long delays and cost overruns in the last round of nuclear construction, but the company has not yet ordered the reactors. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission estimates the cost of obtaining a license at $24 million, but some industry experts say it could easily be more. The plant itself would run into the billions of dollars.

Still, the application, the first of what the commission anticipates will be about two dozen in the next few months, is a milestone for the industry. More than 100 reactor projects were canceled in the 1970s and ’80s, some abandoned in late stages of construction. Revived interest in nuclear power is being driven by a combination of strong growth in demand for electricity, high prices for natural gas and the potential for taxes on carbon dioxide, which would make coal use more expensive, experts said.

more...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/24/business/24cnd-nuke.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

[Ilsa]

1. We already have a nuclear power project in Bay City, which is

southeast of Houston. I don't know where this one is to be built. I can't work the link.

[babylonsister]

2. Link fixed-here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/24/business/24cnd-nuke.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

90 mi. s/w of Houston :scared: but IIRC the article doesn't mention the town.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

4. Follow the waterflow downstream 90 miles

That's where it will be.

Is this the same one that was being speculated about last year? If so they're hoping to get it online sometime around 2015.

Edit: replaced upstream with down... silly brain.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

5. It would appear that this one is to be an expansion of that one

The locations match up to a tee. Looks like it will be gaining two more reactors in the future.

[Ilsa]

8. Yes, this was announced here about six+ months ago, maybe longer.

We've never had any problems with the current site. I have no idea how "secure" it is. It is hard to find unless you are looking for it.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

9. Then it is the one I was thinking of

I recall hearing something about this right around the time you're mentioning.

I believe that there's also a planned expansion in the works for Comanche Peak.

[TomInTib]

6. Are you in Bay City?

I lived there in the 60s.

I was also the first white person busted for drug posession in Bay City.

Oh, the memories.

[Ilsa]

7. No, I'm further south. Ignominy in Bay City? LOL! If they could see you now! nt

[Viva_La_Revolution]

3. nah.

those things take decades to build and get up and running, even if they can get the permits. I doubt it will ever get finished.