Politics
Politics

Georgia Power announces placement of reactor vessel on Vogtle 4

Georgia Power currently spends $50 million per month on the project. In March 2017, Vogtle’s lead contractor, Westinghouse Electric, filed for bankruptcy. The project was already three years behind schedule and more than $3 billion over budget. Georgia Power’s Paul Bowers argues the project presents “long-term benefits to customers.” Critics have fought against Vogtle's expansion for years, citing cost and safety concerns. Cost and schedule estimates presented by Georgia Power may determine the project's fate. Plant Vogtle is one of Georgia's two nuclear power plants.
By Anastaciah Ondieki
March 30, 2018

Georgia Power announced that the recent placement of the nuclear reactor vessel inside one of the two units under construction at Plant Vogtle is a sign of progress in the beleaguered project.

The nuclear reactor vessel will serve as the heat source, producing steam for power generation once the unit comes online.

The latest milestone in construction at the site follows the pouring of 2,400 cubic yards of concrete on the unit’s turbine tabletop early this month.

Construction at the site, the only active new nuclear build in the U.S., is being managed by Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Georgia Power’ parent company Southern Company.

Georgia Power says progress has improved since Southern Nuclear took over construction management from Westinghouse Electric Co., which went into bankruptcy last March.

The project, which is billions over budget, is five years behind schedule and is expected to be complete in 2022.

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Anastaciah Ondieki
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