The Texas Public Utility Commission is exploring the possibility of extending the state’s nuclear power sector. This week, the PUCT unveiled a report to lay a roadmap for the industry’s development. This happens when there are concerns that an increase in nuclear power production capacity is an “explosion” of numbers.
Texas faces a nuclear explosion
Checking out the numbers, there are concerns that an increase in nuclear power production capacity is an explosion or it is a ticking time bomb. This comes as the American state of Texas and its leaders, aim to expand the state’s nuclear power industry.
KXAN.com reports that on Monday, the PPUCT published a report that seeks to lay the foundation and a roadmap for the industry’s development as well as listing benefits of nuclear power along with recommendations on how to address potential challenges.
Back in November last year, Governor Greg Abbott gave the PUCT the responsibility to study the safety, reliability and affordability of advanced nuclear reactors (ANRs).
This is on the back of the demand on the power grid continues growing. It is reported that an ANR is actually smaller than existing reactors, thus reducing the amount of land needed, and can use different kinds of coolants and fuel.
Will nuclear provide reliable energy for Texas
Dr. Benjamin Reinke is the vice president of X-Energy, he says nuclear can achieve more than 90% of reliable energy.
“I think what the governor is contemplating for the legislative session are a number of policies that would potentially accelerate the deployment of nuclear and the building of the industry here in Texas,” said Reinke.
“When we look at this terminology, we refer to it as a capacity factor, and nuclear achieves greater than 90% reliability. Many of the other technologies that are out there provide reliability in the form of 20 to 30%, some in the 40 to 50% range.”
Meanwhile, the 78-page report released by the PUCT unpacks advanced nuclear power as a more reliable source of energy, with existing Texas plants showing “exemplary performance” during extreme weather conditions.
But the PUCT does note that there are financial barriers to building ANRs, with a resource-intensive licensing process that can prove risky for investors.
PUCT’s recommendations on nuclear energy
Looking at the report, it recommends a creation of an advanced nuclear authority to put policy ideas into action, manage funding and oversee nuclear incentive programs.
Moreover, the report also suggests a strategy to organize an outreach program to inform and educate the public in Texas, especially in issues related to safety.
“The industry has been innovating to bring even safer reactor designs to market. A key role in this is the oversight of the U.S. nuclear regulatory commission,” added Reinke.
He also noted that an independent body has to verify the safety of these nuclear reactors before they are switched on, saying they “work through a very rigorous process.”
Is an increase in nuclear production an explosion in numbers?
According to statistics or records, the American state of Texas currently boasts two nuclear power plants as one located in Bay City and the other in Glen Rose.
To the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), about 10% of the electricity available in the council’s power region came from nuclear generation in 2022.
As Texas is also home to the Pantex Plant which is a nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility, just northeast of Amarillo, the increase in nuclear power plants or production is an explosion in numbers.
Per a report by East Texas Radio, the PUCT anticipates power demand in the state to increase by eight percent yearly for the next 10 years.
Until the third nuclear plant is fully functional and providing power, it remains to be seen if this will pose danger to the Texas community and surrounds.