Georgia Power announced that Unit 4 at the Vogtle nuclear expansion project near Waynesboro, Georgia, has achieved another major milestone in startup testing by generating electricity and successfully synchronizing and connecting to the electric grid for the first time. This milestone follows initial criticality, reached on February 14, when operators safely started the nuclear reaction inside the reactor, generating nuclear heat to produce steam.
Connecting to the electric grid is part of ongoing startup testing for Vogtle Unit 4. Now, operators will continue to raise reactor power for generation of electricity while performing tests at various power levels, ultimately raising power to 100 percent. Once all startup testing is successfully completed and the unit is available for reliable dispatch, Vogtle Unit 4 will enter commercial operation.
Vogtle Unit 3 entered commercial operation on July 31, 2023, and is providing safe, reliable, emission-free energy to Georgia today. The in-service date for Unit 4 is projected during the second quarter of 2024.
The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to its 2.7 million customers. When operating, each of the new units can produce enough electricity to power an estimated 500,000 homes and businesses. Southern Nuclear is operating the new units on behalf of the co-owners: Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities.
