Exciting Update: New In-Service Dates for Vogtle Units Revealed

Get ready for a glimpse into the latest developments of one of the most significant energy projects in the US! Southern Company's CEO, Tom Fanning, announced that the schedules for Vogtle units 3 and 4 have been adjusted to allow for any unexpected issues.

Construction work at the Vogtle site, pictured in January (Image: Georgia Power)

Unit 3 is now expected to enter service in May or June, while unit 4 will be operational by the end of this year or early 2024. But it hasn't been a smooth ride, as vibrations in the cooling system caused delays in the criticality process of unit 3. However, Fanning assures investors that the issues have been remediated, and the testing has resumed.

But that's not all! Southern Company is determined to deliver optimal performance and reduce risks associated with any potential issues that may arise. So, extra time has been added to the schedule to address these matters. Metal plates have been inserted into struts connected to the pipe to fix the vibration issue, while repositioning a flange associated with the valve has remedied the dripping valve problem. However, the third issue concerning flow rates through reactor coolant pumps is being investigated.

Despite these setbacks, the lessons learned from unit 3 are being applied to unit 4, ensuring a smoother process. Although the company could have proceeded with the startup program at unit 3, it preferred to fix issues before criticality is reached, ultimately avoiding any potential hazards.

Construction of Vogtle 3 began in March 2013, making it a significant project in the US energy sector. The two AP1000s are the first new nuclear units to be built in the US in over three decades. And Southern Company is determined to get it right, no matter the time and effort needed. As Fanning puts it, "We will not sacrifice safety or quality to meet schedules." The priority remains to provide reliable, carbon-free energy for Georgia for the next 60 to 80 years.

source: (WorldNuclearNews)

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