On Monday, the United States saw the first new nuclear reactor in nearly seven years begin delivering power to the electric grid. The unit 3 reactor at Plant Vogtle in Georgia has started commercial operation, according to Georgia Power. This marks a significant achievement for the U.S. nuclear energy industry and is seen as a milestone in advancing clean and reliable energy solutions.
The reactor, a Westinghouse AP1000, is generating approximately 1,110 megawatts of energy, which can power around 500,000 homes and businesses. This reactor will continue to deliver electricity to customers for the next 60 to 80 years, according to Georgia Power CEO Kim Greene.
However, it's important to note that the construction of these reactors has faced challenges. The Vogtle 3 and 4 project began in 2009 and has taken longer than expected to complete. The initial cost estimates of $14 billion have now ballooned to $30 billion, and unit 4 is still not turned on. The delays and budget overruns have been a setback for the nuclear industry, which has been trying to reinvent itself after a period of decline.
Despite these challenges, interest in nuclear energy has been increasing in recent years due to the urgent need to address climate change and the demand for clean energy. Nuclear energy currently contributes 47% of America's carbon-free electricity and about 20% of the nation's overall energy.
Looking ahead, unit 4 of the Vogtle Plant is expected to go into service in late 2023 or early 2024, according to Georgia Power. The ownership of the Vogtle Power Plant is divided among Georgia Power, the Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, and Dalton Utilities.
Overall, the commercial operation of the Vogtle unit 3 reactor is seen as a significant achievement for the U.S. nuclear energy industry and a step forward in advancing clean and reliable energy solutions. However, the challenges faced during construction highlight the complexities and costs associated with building nuclear reactors.