Get a sneak peek inside Grand Gulf Nuclear Station
A behind-the-scenes look at the largest single-unit nuclear power plant in the United States
Grand Gulf Nuclear Station, located in Port Gibson, Mississippi, is the only nuclear power plant in the state. For 40 years, this facility continues to power nearly one million homes across the region with approximately 1,500 megawatts of electricity. As the largest single-unit nuclear power plant in the United States, Grand Gulf employs approximately 750 highly skilled and highly trained nuclear professionals, dedicated to keeping the lights and safety the priority.
“Nuclear power has one of the highest-rated safety records in the world,” said Brad Kapellas, Grand Gulf’s site vice president. “We put safety first in everything we do. We start every job by evaluating any potential hazards or risks. If we identify something isn’t safe, we stop work and do not proceed until it is safe.”
The nerve center: control room operations
The control room at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station is staffed 24/7, serving as the brain of the entire facility. Operators monitor every aspect of the plant’s performance, ready to respond to any situation.
From steam to power: the turbine building
The journey from nuclear reaction to usable electricity begins in the reactor, where steam is generated and sent through the turbine – three low-pressure turbines and one high-pressure turbine. The turbine spins to power the generator, which then supplies electricity to the grid. Afterwards the steam is cooled and condensed back into the water for reuse in the cycle.
Completing the cycle: spent fuel and safety
Fuel removed from the reactor is stored in the spent fuel pool for approximately five years before being placed in the dry storage casks. These canisters are stored onsite and are safe enough to walk up to and touch. To put it into perspective, all the used fuel created by fueling one person’s entire life with nuclear can fit in a soda can.
A commitment to community
Grand Gulf pays approximately $30 million in state and local taxes; and every two years during scheduled refuel and maintenance outages, Entergy brings in an additional 800 contractors who support local trades and economies. Employees are also dedicated to volunteering in the local communities, focusing most volunteer efforts on teaching local students about the benefits of nuclear power and the career opportunities it brings.
“We love hiring local talent,” said Kapellas. “Each year we bring in more than 1,000 students to come to Grand Gulf and learn all about our site and the great career opportunities we have for them in their own backyard. Once they get in house, we assist them in their development to achieve their career goals.”
“It’s been the best job I’ve ever had,” he said. “I cannot begin to describe what a great place Grand Gulf is to work. The people and culture are second to none. We strive to get better every day. We all take pride in powering life for our communities.”
