Georgia Power has announced that Plant Vogtle Unit 3, a nuclear power unit, has entered commercial operation and is now serving customers and the State of Georgia.
“Vogtle Unit 3 is the first newly-constructed nuclear unit in the U.S. in over 30 years and can power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses. Once all four units are online, the Plant Vogtle site will be the largest generator of clean energy in the nation and support continued growth in Georgia as more industries, businesses and families come to the state,” a press release from Georgia Power explained.
“The final stages of construction and testing continue at Vogtle Unit 4, with the unit projected to be placed in service during the late fourth quarter 2023 or the first quarter of 2024. The unit completed hot functional testing in May, in significantly less time than Unit 3 as the team continues leveraging best practices and learnings from the earlier unit. The Vogtle site has also received nuclear fuel for Unit 4, with a total of 157 fuel assemblies necessary for the safe and reliable startup of the unit,” the press release added.
Today is a historical day! We’ve declared that Plant Vogtle Unit 3 has entered commercial operation and is now serving customers and the State of Georgia. The new unit represents a long-term investment in the state’s clean energy future and will provide reliable, emissions-free… pic.twitter.com/jxkYrIShRm
— Georgia Power (@GeorgiaPower) July 31, 2023
“The Plant Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion is another incredible example of how Georgia Power is building a reliable and resilient energy future for our state,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “It is important that we make these kinds of long-term investments and see them through so we can continue providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to our 2.7 million customers. Today’s achievement is a testament to our commitment to doing just that, and it marks the first day of the next 60 to 80 years that Vogtle Unit 3 will serve our customers with clean, reliable energy.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp responded to the news on Twitter, writing, “This morning, @GeorgiaPower, Oglethorpe Power, @MEAGPower, @DaltonUtilities, and all those who worked on Unit 3 of @PlantVogtle made history.”
“With Unit 3 now fully online and Unit 4 on the way, our state can meet the needs of consumers and job creators for many decades to come,” he added.
This morning, @GeorgiaPower, Oglethorpe Power, @MEAGPower, @DaltonUtilities, and all those who worked on Unit 3 of @PlantVogtle made history.
With Unit 3 now fully online and Unit 4 on the way, our state can meet the needs of consumers and job creators for many decades to come. https://t.co/iFyBnUETlh— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) July 31, 2023