Workers have commenced the process of loading radioactive fuel into the second newly constructed reactor at a Georgia nuclear plant. It marks a significant step towards the reactor's eventual electricity generation.
Georgia Power Co. has initiated the transfer of 157 fuel assemblies into the core of the Vogtle Unit 4 reactor at Plant Vogtle, situated southeast of Augusta, according to Associated Press.
Plant Vogtle is already home to three operational reactors, two of which have been in service for decades. The third one began commercial operation on July 31, representing the United States' first entirely new nuclear unit constructed in decades.
(Photo : ERIK S. LESSER/AFP via Getty Images)
A Putzmeister concrete pumper is loaded onto a Russian Antonov AN-124 cargo airplane at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport on April 8, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia
A Putzmeister concrete pumper is loaded onto a Russian Antonov AN-124 cargo airplane at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport on April 8, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia
Radioactive Fuel Loading Commences in Georgia
In an official statement, Georgia Power disclosed that the fuel loading process for Unit 4 has officially begun at Plant Vogtle. This endeavor is a crucial milestone as it paves the way for the startup and eventual commercial operation of the second new unit within the plant.
"The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power's commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers. Once operating, each of the new units can produce enough electricity to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses," the statement reads.
Notably, Vogtle Unit 3, the inaugural newly-constructed nuclear unit in the US in over three decades, began commercial operation on July 31 to supply emissions-free energy for Georgia's residents and the state itself.
The green light for Unit 4's fuel loading came after Southern Nuclear received the 103(g) finding from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in July. That signifies the unit's compliance with both the Combined License and NRC regulations, reassuring adherence to operational and construction standards.
In the upcoming days, a collaborative effort by nuclear technicians from Westinghouse and operators from Southern Nuclear will see the installation of 157 fuel assemblies into the reactor core of Unit 4.
Startup Testing Coming Soon
Following the fuel loading phase, startup testing is scheduled to commence. This testing phase aims to showcase the seamless integration of the primary coolant and steam supply systems, operating at design temperature and pressure while housing fuel within the reactor.
Further steps involve transitioning the plant from cold shutdown to initial criticality, synchronizing the unit with the electric grid, and gradually raising power levels to 100%. Unit 4's projected activation timeline is in the fourth quarter of 2023 or the first quarter of 2024.
The significance of the new Vogtle units lies in Georgia Power's commitment to delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy to its extensive customer base of 2.7 million.
Once operational, each of these new units will be able to generate electricity sufficient to power approximately 500,000 homes and businesses.
The operational responsibility for these new units lies with Southern Nuclear, acting on behalf of co-owners Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power, and Dalton Utilities.
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