Nuclear Power Projects: Santee Cooper Seeks Proposals for Reviving V.C. Summer Expansion

Will nuclear power projects be an integral part of meeting the growing demand for electricity? With the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) the electricity demand for server farm operations requires additional power generation resources. To that end, Santee Cooper has announced a new initiative to explore construction options for the partially built generating units at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Jenkinsville, South Carolina. The utility is launching a request for Proposal (RFP) managed by CenterView Partners LLC with the purpose of identifying interested parties willing to acquire the unfinished nuclear generation facility and either complete the reactors or propose alternative site use. Proposals must be submitted by May 5, 2025.

Meeting Clean Energy Demands

Santee Cooper President and CEO Jimmy Staton emphasized the timeliness of this effort. With rising demand for clean energy from manufacturing, AI data centers, and zero-carbon tech companies, Staton emphasized the need for faster solutions. Nuclear projects often have long timelines, but the partially built Summer Units 2 and 3 offer a rare chance to speed up carbon-free energy development.

Exploring New Ownership

Though Santee Cooper has no plans to own or operate the units, Staton is optimistic about finding a qualified entity to complete the project or repurpose its assets. He emphasized potential benefits for customers, economic development, and South Carolina through renewed nuclear power efforts.

Key Reasons for Reopening Nuclear Power Projects

Several factors contributed to Santee Cooper’s decision to reopen discussions about the nuclear power project. These include the pressing need for new energy capacity driven by growing electricity demands, the retirement of older fossil-fuel plants, and increased interest in revitalizing unfinished nuclear projects to save time. Additionally, federal tax credits and loan guarantees are now available to support nuclear construction, further enhancing the project’s appeal.

Advantages of the V.C. Summer Nuclear Power Project Site

The V.C. Summer site offers significant advantages for a nuclear power project. If completed, the units could deliver 2,200 megawatts of nuclear energy on an accelerated timeline. They would leverage AP1000 reactor technology, already in use at Southern Company’s Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. These became operational in 2023 and 2024.

The site also benefits from existing infrastructure, including ample land, water access, and upgraded transmission systems. Additionally, its secure location is designed to support multiple nuclear units.

Given the renewed interest in nuclear power projects and the urgent need for clean energy solutions. Santee Cooper is now exploring new possibilities. They aim to determine whether the partially completed units can find new life under the guidance of a capable partner. The RFP process aims to identify opportunities to turn this once-abandoned project into a major contributor to South Carolina’s energy future.

EcoCentricNow Supports Clean Energy Solutions

EcoCentricNow LLC (ECN) supports the development of nuclear power projects. We support electricity use conservation by distributing an assortment of interior and exterior LED property lighting. ECN’s mission is to promote environmental stewardship by distributing well-designed, long-lasting, energy-efficient LED lighting products and supplies that foster ecological sustainability and human well-being.

References
Santee Cooper. “Santee Cooper Seeking Proposals to Acquire and Finish V.C. Summer Nuclear Station Expansion.” Santee Cooper Website. January 27, 2025.
Fretwell, Sammy. “Santee Cooper Seeks Proposals to Finish Nuclear Project That Soaked Ratepayers.” The State, January 27, 2025
Wall Street Journal. “South Carolina to Reboot Giant Nuclear Project to Meet AI Demand.” The Wall Street Journal, January 24, 2025.