Milestone Achievement: Georgia's First New Nuclear Reactor in Decades Begins Commercial Operation
Unit 3 at Plant Vogtle, a nuclear power plant in Georgia, has entered commercial operation, marking the first new American reactor built from scratch in decades. The reactor can generate 1,100 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 500,000 homes and businesses. With the addition of Unit 3, nuclear power now accounts for about 25% of Georgia Power's generation. A fourth reactor at the site is nearing completion, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the loading of radioactive fuel into Unit 4. The project, originally estimated to cost $14 billion, is now expected to reach $35 billion. The completion of these reactors is seen as a step towards achieving a clean energy future and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.