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We are very pleased to share with you that fuel load into the Unit 4 reactor core has begun at Plant Vogtle. The fuel load process marks a crucial milestone toward startup and commercial operation of Unit 4. 

During fuel load, nuclear technicians and operators from Westinghouse and Southern Nuclear are  scheduled to safely transfer 157 fuel assemblies one-by-one from the Unit 4 spent fuel pool to the Unit 4 reactor core over the coming days.  

Startup testing will begin next and is designed to demonstrate the integrated operation of the primary  coolant system and steam supply system at design temperature and pressure with fuel inside the reactor.  Operators will also bring the plant from cold shutdown to initial criticality, synchronize the unit to the  electric grid and systematically raise power to 100%.  

This testing -- the same process Unit 3 went through starting late last year -- takes a number of weeks,  leading to commercial operation. Vogtle Unit 4 is projected to enter service by the first quarter of 2024. 

The Unit 4 fuel load milestone follows Unit 3 entering commercial operation just over two weeks ago, on  July 31, becoming the first newly constructed nuclear unit to enter service in the U.S. in more than 30  years. 

As always, we will keep you updated on the continued progress toward commercial operation of Vogtle  Units 4.  

If you have any questions, please feel to reach out to your Regional Manager, Steve Jackson  (770-563-0314) or me (770-563-0522).

MEAG POWER PRESS RELEASE

Media Contact: John Marsh, Corporate Communications Manager: jmarsh@meagpower.org

ATLANTA – July 31, 2023 – MEAG Power is pleased to announce that Unit 3 at Plant Vogtle entered commercial service today, adding 250 MW of emissions-free generation capacity to MEAG Power’s portfolio, an equivalent amount to power an estimated 113,500 homes and businesses. Vogtle Unit 3 is the first newly constructed nuclear unit to enter service in the U.S. in more than 30 years.

For more information:

The following is a Georgia Power news release:

Vogtle Unit 3 has safely reached 100 percent power, marking a major milestone towards commercial operation and service for customers. This milestone marks the maximum energy the unit is licensed to produce in the reactor core and is the first time the unit has reached its expected output of approximately 1,100 electric MW, which can power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses.

In alignment with the testing performed throughout power ascension, testing at the 100 percent power level is focused on the operation of the reactor, plant control systems for the reactor and support systems, and integrated plant operations. Plant performance is monitored at various conditions and data is gathered and evaluated by site engineers. With the unit reaching full power for the first time, other tests must be performed at this power level before the unit is available for reliable dispatch in accordance with its combined operating license.

Once all startup testing is successfully completed and the unit is available for reliable dispatch, Vogtle Unit 3 will enter commercial operation. Unit 3 is projected to be placed in service during June 2023.