Georgia Power activates generator at Vogtle 3 unit, nearing commercial operation
Georgia Power has announced a momentous accomplishment in the ongoing construction of the Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, GA.
The generator at Vogtle Unit 3 has been successfully activated, thereby generating electricity for the first time and connecting to the electric grid without any hitches. In parallel, nuclear operators at Vogtle Unit 4 have commenced hot functional testing since last month, indicating that the project is inching closer to the long-awaited operations phase. These milestones represent critical progress in the construction of the Vogtle nuclear units.
“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,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power.
“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. As we approach commercial operation for Unit 3, I know that every professional who has been involved in this project or worked at Plant Vogtle is proud of the role they have played in helping build a clean energy future for Georgia.”
Georgia Power has announced another significant achievement in the construction of its Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, GA. The company has successfully synchronized the generator at Vogtle Unit 3, marking a crucial milestone in the ongoing startup testing. Operators will now continue to raise reactor power for electricity generation while performing tests at various power levels.
This comes after the safe start of the nuclear reaction inside the reactor on March 6, which generated nuclear heat to produce steam. Vogtle Unit 4 is also making significant progress, with hot functional testing currently underway to verify the successful operation of reactor components and systems before the initial fuel load.
The new units are clean energy sources that produce zero emissions and are expected to power more than 500,000 homes and businesses. Once all testing is complete, they will be available for reliable dispatch and commercial operation, projected for May or June 2023 for Unit 3 and late fourth quarter 2023 or first quarter 2024 for Unit 4. Southern Nuclear will operate the new units on behalf of co-owners Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power, and Dalton Utilities.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties.
The forward-looking information includes statements about the future operations and projected in-service dates for Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4. Georgia Power advises that there are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information provided.
Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, as it is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and factors beyond Georgia Power's control. As such, there can be no assurance that the suggested results will be realized.
In addition to the factors discussed in Georgia Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent securities filings, the following factors could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations suggested by such forward-looking information:
The generator at Vogtle Unit 3 has been successfully activated, thereby generating electricity for the first time and connecting to the electric grid without any hitches. In parallel, nuclear operators at Vogtle Unit 4 have commenced hot functional testing since last month, indicating that the project is inching closer to the long-awaited operations phase. These milestones represent critical progress in the construction of the Vogtle nuclear units.
“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,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power.
“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. As we approach commercial operation for Unit 3, I know that every professional who has been involved in this project or worked at Plant Vogtle is proud of the role they have played in helping build a clean energy future for Georgia.”
Georgia Power has announced another significant achievement in the construction of its Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, GA. The company has successfully synchronized the generator at Vogtle Unit 3, marking a crucial milestone in the ongoing startup testing. Operators will now continue to raise reactor power for electricity generation while performing tests at various power levels.
This comes after the safe start of the nuclear reaction inside the reactor on March 6, which generated nuclear heat to produce steam. Vogtle Unit 4 is also making significant progress, with hot functional testing currently underway to verify the successful operation of reactor components and systems before the initial fuel load.
The new units are clean energy sources that produce zero emissions and are expected to power more than 500,000 homes and businesses. Once all testing is complete, they will be available for reliable dispatch and commercial operation, projected for May or June 2023 for Unit 3 and late fourth quarter 2023 or first quarter 2024 for Unit 4. Southern Nuclear will operate the new units on behalf of co-owners Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power, and Dalton Utilities.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties.
The forward-looking information includes statements about the future operations and projected in-service dates for Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4. Georgia Power advises that there are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information provided.
Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, as it is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and factors beyond Georgia Power's control. As such, there can be no assurance that the suggested results will be realized.
In addition to the factors discussed in Georgia Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent securities filings, the following factors could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations suggested by such forward-looking information:
- The potential effects of the continued COVID-19 pandemic
- The ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects, including Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4
- Non-performance under construction, operating, or other agreements
- Challenges with start-up activities and operational performance
- Continued challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemic health events
Legal proceedings and regulatory approvals and actions related to construction projects - Catastrophic events and their effects on Georgia Power's business
Georgia Power expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information. It is important for readers to understand the risks involved in investing or making decisions based on forward-looking statements, and to carefully consider all relevant factors before doing so.
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