LATEST UPDATE – October 14, 2022
Start of Vogtle Unit 3 nuclear fuel load marks historic moment for modern U.S. nuclear industry
Fuel load into Plant Vogtle Unit 3 reactor core has begun. The fuel load process marks a historic and pivotal milestone toward the startup and commercial operation of the first new nuclear units to be built in the U.S. in over 30 years.
Learn more about how fuel is being loaded at Vogtle Unit 3.
The new Vogtle units represent one of the largest and most important infrastructure investment projects currently underway in the United States.
There are currently more than 7,000 workers at the Vogtle 3 and 4 site.
Vogtle 3 and 4 Project Overview
Plant Vogtle units 3 and 4 will be the first new nuclear units built in the United States in the last three decades. As construction continues, Georgia Power remains focused on completing Vogtle units 3 and 4 with safety and quality as top priorities.
Once complete, Vogtle units 1-4 will produce enough safe, reliable, affordable electricity to power 1 million Georgia homes and businesses.
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Plant Vogtle’s Powerful Impact
Vogtle 3 and 4 will have a major economic impact on the state of Georgia, creating hundreds of new jobs.
Location
- Plant Vogtle, Waynesboro, Georgia
Technology
- Two Westinghouse AP1000 (Advanced Passive) nuclear units
- About 1,117 megawatts each
Productivity and Progress
- Completion of Hot Functional Testing for Unit 3 – Marks a significant step towards commercial operations. During hot functional testing, plant systems achieved normal operating pressure and temperature, without nuclear fuel, to verify the successful operation of reactor components and systems together.
- Initial Energization for Unit 4 – Plant equipment for Unit 4 is energized, or permanently powered, which is needed to perform all subsequent testing for the unit.
- Final Module Placed – All modules for Georgia Power’s Vogtle 3 & 4 project have now been set as a massive water tank, known as CB20, has been lifted into place atop the Unit 4 containment vessel and shield building roof.
- Unit 4 Starting Integrated Flush – This test pushes water through the permanent plant system piping that feeds into the reactor vessel and reactor coolant loops. Integrated flush represents a critical step as the process is key to helping ensure the safe startup of Unit 4 and marks the start of extensive testing ahead for the unit’s systems.
Owners
The Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, located near Waynesboro in eastern Georgia near the South Carolina border, is jointly owned by Georgia Power(45.7%), Oglethorpe Power Corporation (30%), Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (22.7%) and Dalton Utilities (1.6%).
Benefits
The new Vogtle units represent one of the largest and most important infrastructure investment projects currently underway in the United States. There are currently more than 7,000 workers at the Vogtle 3 and 4 site.
Georgia Power believes military veterans’ proven commitment to pride, duty, honor and discipline add significant value to our company’s overall success. Georgia Power recognizes that former military personnel bring experience and skill to our utility company, and that is why veterans and reservists account for more than 30 percent of new hires at Plant Vogtle. For the sixth year in a row, Southern Company is ranked the nation’s best utility corporation for veterans, reservists and guardsmen.
Bechtel Engagement
Georgia Power has contracted with global engineering, construction and project management firm Bechtel to manage daily construction efforts. Bechtel will work under the direction of Southern Nuclear, the Southern Company subsidiary which operates the existing units at Plant Vogtle.
Bechtel brings a well-qualified, talented team with strong leadership and senior-level engagement and a strong relationship with the building trades. They have also developed a comprehensive, risk-informed plan to achieve success on the project.