Vogtle nuclear plant expansion is complete, Unit 4 enters commercial operation

Georgia Power announced the start of commercial operation of the second AP-1000 reactor, which, along with Unit 3, was part of the project to expand the existing Vogtle plant. The nuclear power plant is now the largest producer of clean energy in the US.

Unit 4 first reached criticality in February 2024 and was connected to the grid in March. The slightly older unit, Vogtle 3, entered commercial operation in July 2023. They are the first newly built nuclear units in the US in more than 30 years.

Decision to build the reactors

Construction of Vogtle Units 3 and 4 was originally approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) as part of Georgia Power’s Integrated Resource Plan. As part of the process, regulators analyze and discuss the company’s plans for continuing to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to millions of customers over a 20-year planning period. Construction of the two Westinghouse AP-1000 reactors began in 2013.

"The new Vogtle reactors are a key part of our strategy to meet our customers’ energy needs not just tomorrow, but 20 years from now," said Kim Greene, chair, president and chief executive officer of Georgia Power.

The plant is operated by Southern Nuclear on behalf of its co-owners Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities. Georgia Power is a subsidiary of Southern Company.

Economic impact on the state of Georgia

Chris Womack, chair, president and chief executive officer of Southern Company, described the completion of the Vogtle nuclear power plant as a “significant achievement” for Southern Company, the state of Georgia and the entire United States.

"By working with our partners in government, industry, labor and elsewhere, we have added a new nuclear resource to the energy mix that increases the reliability and resilience of the energy system, while moving toward our goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. These new Vogtle units support the economy in our communities now and in the future," Chris Womack said.

Georgia Power said the Vogtle plant has brought billions of dollars in investment to Georgia and local communities. The new units created 800 permanent jobs, and the project employed more than 9000 workers at the peak of construction.

The original Vogtle pressurized-water reactors, Units 1 and 2, have been in commercial operation since 1987 and 1989. Both reactors are currently licensed to operate for 60 years.