All four steam generators at South Texas 2 were replaced and the reactor was refuelled in 65 days, setting a new performance standard in the nuclear industry for this type of project. The previous best time for a similar plant was 70 days.
In addition to replacing the steam generators and refuelling the reactor, STP Nuclear Operating Company also replaced the main generator rotor for unit 2 and completed more than 3000 maintenance, testing and inspection tasks while the reactor was shut down. Full power operation resumed on 10 December.
Each steam generator weighs more than 500t and is 22m high by 4.9m wide. The old steam generators will be stored on site in specially constructed, concrete buildings while the plant remains in operation, then will be moved to another facility for permanent storage.
