First US nuclear reactor power grid goes operational

Unit 3 at Plant Vogtle, the first nuclear reactor built from scratch in the U.S. in 30 years, is now operational and sending electricity to a number of utilities in Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

The 1,100 megawatts-generating Unit 3 is finally in usage after a seven-year delay. The nuclear plant is also $17 billion costlier than previously anticipated.

The plant also bore a recent setback in June due to a degraded seal in its main generator.

Despite all the concerns, Georgia Power Co announced the reactor’s successful commercial operations with CEO Kim Greene expressing commitment to providing clean and reliable energy for the next 60 to 80 years.

They expect it to benefit 500,000 homes and businesses in surrounding states.

However, the delays and ballooning costs have some experts opposing the construction of the nuclear plant. But the majority of Americans are all for it.

Americans support nuclear energy
According to a Gallup poll, 55% of respondents strongly favor nuclear energy as a source of electricity while 44% are against its usage.

The Biden administration’s commitment of over $1 billion to keep domestic nuclear power plants open, backed by bipartisan support in Congress, has further influenced the sentiment.

However, support differs based on political affiliation, with 62% of Republicans, 46% of Democrats and 56% of independents favoring nuclear energy.

Did you know
Historical trends show that support for nuclear power has been higher during periods of high oil prices and vice versa.