Vogtle nuclear expansion projects reach key milestones

The new nuclear units under construction at Georgia Power’s Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, Ga., reached some important milestones recently.

At Vogtle Unit 3, the generator has generated electricity for the first time, and the unit has successfully synchronized and connected to the electric grid. And at Vogtle Unit 4, nuclear operators began hot functional testing last month.

“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,” Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power, said. “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.”

Connecting to the electric grid is part of ongoing startup testing for Vogtle Unit 3. Operators will continue to raise reactor power for electricity generation while performing tests at various power levels.

At Unit 4, hot functional testing began last month and marks the last series of major tests underway for the new nuclear unit ahead of the initial fuel load. The testing is being conducted to verify the successful operation of reactor components and systems together. It confirms the reactor is ready for fuel load.

The in-service date for Unit 3 is right around the corner — projected during May or June of 2023. Vogtle Unit 4 is expected to enter service in either the late fourth quarter 2023 or in the first quarter 2024.

Once operating, the two new units are expected to power more than 500,000 homes and businesses with zero-emission clean energy.