In a major milestone for clean energy, Georgia Power has announced that Plant Vogtle Unit 3 has begun commercial operation, serving the state of Georgia with reliable, emission-free energy.
This move signals the first newly-constructed nuclear unit in the U.S. in over 30 years and marks a significant stride toward the nation’s clean energy future.
“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, in a Monday press release.
She emphasized the importance of such long-term investments in providing “clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy” to their customers.
Plant Vogtle Unit 3 can power up to 500,000 homes and businesses.
Once all four units are online, the Plant Vogtle site will emerge as the largest generator of clean energy in the country, playing a pivotal role in sustaining Georgia’s growth.
“Today is a historic day for the State of Georgia, Southern Company, and the entire energy sector, as we continue transforming the way we power the lives of millions of Americans,” announced Chris Womack, president and CEO of Southern Company, which owns Georgia Power.
Womack added that the project underlines the critical role that new nuclear can play in realizing a clean energy future for the U.S.
Nuclear energy is today’s only zero-emission baseload energy source, boasting high reliability and round-the-clock operations.
Currently, nuclear energy accounts for approximately 25% of Georgia Power’s overall energy mix, inclusive of the existing units at Plant Vogtle and Georgia’s other nuclear facility at Plant Hatch in Baxley.
Praising the Vogtle expansion as an “American energy success story,” Tom Fanning, chairman of the Board of Directors for Southern Company, paid tribute to the teamwork and commitment that made this possible.
“Providing leadership in our industry and a commitment to safety and quality are in Southern Company’s DNA,” he said.
The final stages of construction and testing are underway at Vogtle Unit 4, slated to be placed in service during late 2023 or early 2024.
Last week, Georgia Power announced the receipt of the 103(g) finding from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for Vogtle Unit 4, signifying that the new unit is constructed and will be operated in compliance with the Combined License and NRC regulations.
The completion of Vogtle Unit 3 and the impending operation of Unit 4 underpin Georgia Power’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers.
“Today’s achievement is a testament to our commitment to doing just that,” asserted Greene, “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.”
