Santee Cooper Seeks Buyers for Incomplete Nuclear Reactors Amid Renewed Energy Interest

The South Carolina utility company Santee Cooper has initiated the process of accepting bids to complete two suspended nuclear reactors that were halted in 2017. The company aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for energy in technology from various sectors. The reactors, situated at the V.C. Summer power plant, were left less than 40% completed after construction was abruptly stopped, leading to an expenditure of approximately $9 billion by Santee Cooper and its partner, South Carolina Electric & Gas.

The launch of the bidding process comes as the tech industry, notably centered around data centers that require significant amounts of power, has shown an increasing interest in nuclear power generation. The industry recognizes the potential of nuclear plants to provide a consistent supply of electricity while being environmentally friendly, not contributing to emissions that contribute to climate change. It is anticipated that the completion of the stalled reactors could offer a substantial solution to meet the energy demands of the evolving tech sector.