US Georgia Power says unit 3 of the Vogtle NPP has been connected to the grid. Vogtle 3 reached first criticality early in March and is expected to begin commercial operation in May or June. Vogtle 4 began hot functional tests in March and is expected to enter service in late 2023 or early 2024. Both are 1,117 MWe Westinghouse AP1000 reactors.
Units 1&2 - both 1,215 MWe reactors supplied by Westinghouse - were completed in 1987 and 1989. In 2009, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) renewed their licences for an additional 20 years. Georgia Public Service Commission approved the new reactors for the Vogtle expansion in early 2009 and construction activities began the same year. At that time Vogtle 3&4 were expected to cost about $14bn and to enter service in 2016 and 2017 but suffered a series of delays.
“What an incredibly inspiring time to join Georgia Power as we celebrate this milestone that marks the first day of generating clean, reliable power at this new nuclear unit, which will serve our customers over the next 60 to 80 years,” said Kim Greene, Chairman, President & CEO of Georgia Power. “I consider myself very fortunate to have worked onsite at Vogtle 1&2 early in my career as an engineer, learning so much that I have carried with me over the years while also gaining an appreciation of the value of nuclear energy as a critical, long-term investment for our state. As we approach commercial operation for Unit 3, I know that every professional who has been involved in this project or worked at Plant Vogtle is proud of the role they have played in helping build a clean energy future for Georgia.”
Connecting to the electric grid is part of ongoing start-up testing for Vogtle 3, and operators will continue to increase reactor power while performing tests at various levels. Once operating, the two new units are expected to power more than 500,000 homes and businesses. Southern Nuclear will operate the new units on behalf of the co-owners: Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities.
Image: Vogtle unit 3 (courtesy of Georgia Power)
