After years of delays and skyrocketing costs, the new reactors at Plant Vogtle in Georgia have finally begun operations.
Zach Bright reports for E&E News.
In short:
- Plant Vogtle's expansion, which includes two new reactors, finished with a $35 billion cost and a seven-year delay.
- The reactors are expected to generate about 1,100 megawatts each, contributing to carbon-free power production.
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining attention as a more feasible alternative for future nuclear projects.
Key quote:
"A generation from now, the people in Georgia are going to be really, really happy that Vogtle Units 3 and 4 have gone online."
— Jeff Merrifield, former member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Why this matters:
The completion of Vogtle's reactors represents a significant step toward meeting the increasing demand for clean energy, however, some point to high costs of the plant and disposing of the waste remains a tricky issue.
