In a significant development for the energy sector, the first nuclear reactor built in the United States in more than three decades has commenced operations in Georgia today, Monday.
Chris Womack, the President, and CEO of Southern Company, remarked that today is a historic day for the state of Georgia, Southern Company, and the entire energy sector as we continue to revolutionize the way millions of Americans power their lives.
The newly completed Unit 3 at the Vogtle plant is capable of generating power for nearly 500,000 homes and businesses. Once all four units are operational, the station will become the largest producer of clean energy in the US.
Originally slated to begin power generation in 2016, Unit 3’s construction began back in 2009. The statement added that Unit 4 is in its final stages of construction and testing, with expectations for it to start operating in either the fourth quarter of 2023 or the first quarter of 2024.
While the initial projected cost for both reactors, Unit 3 and Unit 4, was $14 billion, they are now on track to cost their owners $31 billion.
This figure does not include the $3.7 billion paid by the original contractor, Westinghouse, to the owners, in order to distance itself from the project, bringing the total expenditure to nearly $35 billion.
It is worth noting that the enthusiasm for nuclear reactors in the United States dwindled after the Fukushima disaster in Japan, which occurred in 2011.
