Unit 3 at the Vogtle nuclear power plant has been successfully synchronized and connected to the electric grid, Georgia Power announced on April 1. The unit-one of two Westinghouse-supplied AP1000s at the Waynesboro, Ga., plant's nuclear expansion site-becomes the first new U.S. power reactor to start up in seven years. According to the announcement, operators will continue to raise reactor power for electricity generation while performing tests at various power levels. The Generation Ⅲ+ unit achieved its long-awaited initial criticality on March 6 following the completion of fuel load last October. The next and final major milestone, commercial operation, is expected this month or next. "What an incredibly inspiring time to join Georgia Power as we celebrate this milestone that marks the first day of generating clean, reliable power at this new nuclear unit, which will serve our customers over the next 60 to 80 years," said Kim Greene, Georgia Power's new chair, president, and chief executive officer. (Greene assumed the lead role at Georgia Power on March 31, replacing Chris Womack, who has become president and CEO of parent firm Southern Company.) "I consider myself very fortunate to have worked on-site at Vog-tle-1 and -2 early in my career as an engineer, learning so much that I have carried with me over the years, while also gaining an appreciation of the value of nuclear energy as a critical, long-term investment for our state. As we approach commercial operation for Unit 3, I know that every professional who has been involved in this project or worked at Plant Vogtle is proud of the role they have played in helping build a clean energy future for Georgia."
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