Building carbon-free nuclear energy
Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4
Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle units 3 and 4 will be the first new nuclear units built in the United States in more than three decades, using the Westinghouse AP1000 advanced pressurized water reactor technology. We are prioritizing safety and quality. Once complete, the four Vogtle units in Waynesboro, Georgia, will produce enough clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to power 1 million Georgia homes and businesses.
Advancing our Net Zero Goal
Operating 24/7/365, nuclear energy facilities produce more than half of all U.S. carbon-free electricity. Plant Vogtle will play an essential role in supporting our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Promoting Economic Growth
A diverse fuel mix, including nuclear, is essential to maintaining a reliable and affordable energy infrastructure that attracts new investment, supports economic growth and creates jobs. With more than 7,000 workers on site, and more than 800 permanent jobs available once the units begin operating, Vogtle 3 and 4 is currently the largest jobs-producing construction project in the state of Georgia.
Vogtle Unit 3 Fuel Load
Highlighting our Progress
Georgia Power currently projects a Unit 3 in-service date in the first quarter of 2023. Unit 4 is projected to be complete in either the third or fourth quarter of 2023.
On December 7, the cold hydro testing of Unit 4 was completed. The testing confirmed the reactor’s coolant system functions aligned with design standards. The reactor coolant system was filled with water and pressurized above-normal operating conditions, then lowered to normal design pressure while being extensively inspected. This process verified the welds, joints, pipes and other components of the coolant system and associated high-pressure systems do not leak under pressure.
The cold hydro testing is required to support hot functional testing, which is projected to begin by the end of Q1 of 2023. Hot functional testing is the final major test remaining for the reactor.
Recent Project Milestones
- Closed Vessel Testing (CVT) – This process verified the pipes and valves in the Unit 4 reactor coolant system were installed as designed and safety systems are functioning properly. In order to mimic the flow through the reactor core during hot functional testing, the reactor vessel head, lower and upper reactor internals and flow restrictors were installed.
- Rotating Turbine on Turning Gear – The Unit 4 Turbine was rotated on its turning gear for the first time, demonstrating both that it was properly assembled and that integrated oil systems function as designed. Once operational, the turbine will rotate at 1,800 revolutions per minute, propelled by steam produced by the unit’s two steam generators using heat transferred from the nuclear reactor. The turbine blades turn the generator rotor to produce electricity.
Owners
The Vogtle Electric Generating Plant is jointly owned by Georgia Power (45.7%), Oglethorpe Power Corporation (30%), Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (22.7%) and Dalton Utilities (1.6%).
