**Georgia’s Second Nuclear Colossus Unleashes Power**
Georgia has embraced an energy milestone with the activation of its second advanced nuclear reactor at Plant Vogtle, a triumph years in the making that will now join its sibling reactor in powering the state with carbon-free electricity.
**Costly Birthing Pains**
The road to Vogtle’s completion was fraught with hurdles and financial overruns. Initial projections placed the cost at billion, with an estimated completion date of 2017. However, the reality unfolded differently, with the project now estimated to cost over billion, surpassing the billion estimate released by The Associated Press.
Despite the setbacks, Georgia Power and its partners celebrated the reactor’s activation as a testament to their resilience. “This is a historic accomplishment,” exclaimed Brian Kemp, Georgia’s governor.
**Clean Energy Vanguard**
Each of Vogtle’s new reactors boasts the capacity to illuminate 500,000 homes and businesses with zero carbon emissions, aligning with Georgia Power’s ambitious goal of eliminating carbon emissions by 2050.
While some environmental advocates tout nuclear power as essential for achieving a carbon-neutral future, Georgia Power acknowledges the need for complementary fossil fuel generation due to increasing demand, particularly from data centers.
**Financial Burden Shared**
The financial weight of Vogtle falls on the shoulders of Georgia’s electricity consumers. In December, regulators authorized a 6% rate increase that is expected to add .97 per month to the average residential customer’s bill. This increase is in addition to the .42 increase imposed when the first reactor commenced operations.
Despite concerns over the staggering cost, Liz Coyle of Georgia Watch hopes that the reactors will deliver reliable performance for decades to come.
**Cautionary Tale for the Nuclear Industry**
Vogtle’s troubled history has cast a shadow over the nuclear industry. The project’s failures have led to the abandonment of plans for numerous other reactors in the United States, including two unfinished projects in South Carolina.
Despite the setbacks, Westinghouse continues to promote the Vogtle reactor design internationally. China, Bulgaria, Poland, and Ukraine have expressed interest in utilizing this technology for their own nuclear power plants.
