Workers at a Southeast GA nuclear power plant have begun loading radioactive fuel into a recently-completed nuclear reactor.
After many years of delays and going many dollars over budget, a second reactor at the Vogtle nuclear power plant is set to start generating electricity. While two of the reactors at Vogtle have been functional for many years, the third and newest came online on July 31st. Unit four, which is currently receiving its load of fuel, is projected to reach commercial operation in March 2024.
At full capacity, the two newly functional units will be able to power 500,000 homes and businesses.
Despite the delays and cost overruns, Vogtle may be a model for future energy investment, as energy producers turn to nuclear power as part of a package of climate-friendly alternatives to natural gas, coal, and oil. However, consumers shouldn’t expect lower energy bills, according to experts.
