New steam generator placed at Vogtle Unit 3 nuclear expansion site
A new steam generator was recently placed at the Vogtle Unit 3 nuclear expansion adjacent to Waynesboro, Georgia, according to a release from Georgia Power.
Measuring approximately 80 feet in length and weighing 1.4 million pounds, steam generators are used to convert water into steam using the heat produced from the reactor core. Each new AP1000 pressurized water reactor unit requires two steam generators are currently on site, according to Georgia Power, .
The new generator was lifted into Unit 3 nuclear island, marking the first major lift under the recently-finalized agreement with Westinghouse Nuclear. As part of the agreement, Westinghouse placed Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Southern Company, in charge of construction site oversight activities.
While Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy on March 29, Georgia Power noted that construction momentum has continued uninterrupted.
Additional progress at the site includes the placement of the first of four 85,000 pound accumulator tanks for the new units, along with KQ22 and KQ23 units, within the Unit 3 containment vessel.
According to Georgia Power, a final recommendation is expected to be filed with the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) as part of the 17th Vogtle Construction Monitoring report. Once submitted, the company said, it will work with the Georgia PSC to determine the best past forward for its customers.
