Georgia Power, Southern Company’s largest electric subsidiary, announces a major milestone in the construction of its Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, Georgia.
Georgia Power Approaches Commercial Operation of Vogtle Units 3 & 4
The Vogtle 3 ‘s generator produced electricity for the first time and the unit successfully synchronized to the electrical grid. This exploit is part of the ongoing startup tests. Operators will continue to increase the power of the reactor for electricity generation, while conducting tests at various power levels.
In addition, at the Vogtle 4 unit, hot functional testing began last month. This marks the last round of major testing underway for the new nuclear unit before initial fuel loading. The tests are conducted to verify the successful operation of the reactor components and systems together. They are also conducted to confirm that the reactor is ready for fuel loading.
Once all start-up tests are successfully completed and the unit is available for reliable operation, the unit will enter commercial operation. Unit 3 is scheduled to be in service in May or June 2023. While the Vogtle 4 unit is expected to come online in the fourth quarter of 2023 or the first quarter of 2024.
Georgia Power’s new units provide clean energy for a sustainable future
The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power’s commitment to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers. Once in operation, the two new units will be clean energy sources producing zero emissions. They should supply more than 500,000 homes and businesses.
Georgia Power President and CEO Kim Greene expresses her excitement, saying, “What an incredibly inspiring time to join Georgia Power as we celebrate this milestone that marks the first day of clean, reliable power generation at this new nuclear unit, which will serve our customers for the next 60 to 80 years. As we approach commercial operation of Unit 3, I know that every professional who has been involved in this project or worked at the Vogtle plant is proud of the role they played in helping build a clean energy future for Georgia.”
Georgia Power is focused on providing world-class service to our customers every day. As such, it is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction.
