- Vogtle-4 achieves first criticality, marking a pivotal step in initiating the nuclear reaction process and paving the way for electricity generation.
- Despite challenges including cost overruns and delays, Vogtle-4 stands as a significant milestone in the revitalization of nuclear energy in the United States.
- With Vogtle-4 joining its operational counterpart Vogtle-3, Georgia Power anticipates increased contributions to the nation’s electricity grid, further solidifying nuclear energy’s role in the country’s energy portfolio.
The Vogtle-4 nuclear power plant in Georgia has achieved a significant milestone by attaining first criticality, a crucial phase in its startup process. This achievement signals the safe initiation of the nuclear reaction within the reactor, where atoms undergo fission, generating nuclear heat for steam production. First criticality marks the point at which the reactor’s fission reaction becomes self-sustaining, laying the groundwork for further operations.
Operators will now proceed to gradually increase power levels to synchronize the plant with the grid and commence electricity generation. This stepwise process aims to reach full power output of 100%.
Vogtle-4 stands as the second Westinghouse AP1000 plant at the Georgia site, with Vogtle-3 already operational since July 31, 2023. These units mark the first new nuclear construction in the United States in over three decades. Despite the project’s significance, it has encountered challenges such as cost overruns and delays. Initially projected at $14 billion, the project’s cost has surged to over $30 billion, with Georgia Power shouldering around $15 billion due to its 45% stake.
Construction commenced on Vogtle-3 in March 2013, followed by Vogtle-4 in November 2013. Various setbacks, including a motor fault in one of the reactor coolant pumps, led to delays, pushing Vogtle-4’s expected in-service date to 2024.
In addition to Vogtle-4, the United States operates 93 commercial nuclear reactors across 55 sites in 28 states, contributing approximately 18% of the nation’s electricity. Vogtle-4 represents the sole nuclear unit currently under construction in the country.