Vogtle nuclear expansion project on track with connection of Unit 4 to electric grid

Kicking off the month, Georgia Power connected Unit 4 of the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant to the electric grid for the first time, ticking off another test item for the nuclear expansion project on the road to a second quarter 2024 in-service debut.

Vogtle was first commissioned in 1987, but this year will see its reach grow to four units in all, located near Waynesboro, Georgia. A third unit entered commercial operation on July 31, 2023 as an emission-less addition to the facility’s power production. This month’s startup marked the first generation of electricity from Unit 4 and included successful synchronization and connection to the grid.

Unit 4 passed initial criticality testing in February, when operators began nuclear reaction inside the reactor, utilizing nuclear heat to produce steam.

Next, operators will raise reactor power for generation of electricity while performing tests at various power levels. Eventually, power will reach 100 percent, at which point startup testing will be complete and the unit will be available for reliable dispatch, officially entering commercial operation.

Once fully operational, each of the new units will be able to produce enough electricity to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses in the region.