|
|
|
|
During construction, more than 2,000 skilled and professional workers would be hired, and afterward, 700-800 people would work at the plant.
No single energy company is large enough to finance a nuclear plant costing billions of dollars without federal loan guarantees. The government has offered various incentives for nuclear power companies to build in the U.S.—as it has to all producers of energy. In fact, when compared to wind, solar and coal, nuclear energy is the least subsidized energy source in the United States.
Adding more nuclear to Texas’ generation mix should mediate the cost of electricity.
Siting a nuclear facility is a meticulous balance of art and science. Thousands of hours of study go into the selection process, which is stringently mandated by federal law. Among other critical factors, water must be demonstrably plentiful. The Victoria County location satisfies all mandated requirements and more. Hundreds of well-paid employees of the plant, if it’s built, will have the opportunity to live in beautiful Victoria—an enormous added benefit of the chosen site.
Yucca Mountain in Nevada has been chosen by the federal government as the ideal location for a permanent repository for spent nuclear fuel, but it may be years before Yucca Mountain is approved by Congress and constructed. Until that time, spent fuel is stored safely on-site at the nation’s 104 nuclear stations. Used nuclear fuel consists of ceramic pellets encased in metal tubes. The fuel cannot explode, and the massive containers in which it is transported can protect public health and the environment even if subjected to the highest temperatures seen in transportation accidents involving chemicals or other flammable materials. After extensive studies, both the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the National Academy of Sciences concluded that used nuclear fuel can be transported safely, and the nuclear energy industry has completed more than 3,000 shipments of used nuclear fuel over 1.7 million miles of U.S. highways and railroads without a single incident.
After decades of production of clean energy, it may become time to decommission a plant. Taking nuclear sites back to green field is part of the license to build and operate and is the responsibility of the operator.
In 2007, the electricity production cost for nuclear energy was 1.76 cents per kilowatt-hour, while coal was 2.47 cents per kWh, natural gas was 6.78 cents per kWh and oil was 10.26 cents per kWh. Proceeding with a large project would not be considered if the cost-benefit ratio was not favorable.
Each year, the average nuclear unit generates approximately $430 million in sales of goods and services and nearly $40 million in total labor income.
The initial license period of 40 years can be renewed for an additional 20. This means that operators have incentives to keep their plants in top operating shape and maintain safety margins. It also means that several generations of Victoria residents can look forward to economic benefits and well paying jobs right in their community.
To the many people who’ve welcomed both Exelon and my family to this lovely community, thank you. To the folks who have questions about our plans, please know that I am committed to answering all of them. Call me at 361-578-2705 or e-mail me at williamp.harris@exeloncorp.com and I will do my best to address every issue you may wish to raise.
Bill Harris is the Exelon representative in Victoria. His office is at 114 N. Main St.