First Nuclear Reactor Launched in the USA in Seven Years

Westinghouse Company has brought the AP1000 nuclear reactor online at the Plant Vogtle nuclear station, owned by Southern Nuclear, near Waynesboro, Georgia. This marks the first introduction of a new nuclear reactor in the United States in seven years, as reported by CNBC.

The AP1000 units at Vogtle are third-generation pressurized water reactors equipped with fully passive safety systems and modular design. Westinghouse claims they occupy the smallest relative footprint per megawatt of power in the market. According to Kim Greene, CEO of Georgia Power, Reactor No. 3 at Plant Vogtle will supply electricity to customers for the next 60-80 years.

According to Georgia Power's data, the Westinghouse AP1000 reactor generates approximately 1110 megawatts of energy, capable of powering around 500,000 homes and businesses. Importantly, this energy is environmentally clean, as it does not produce greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.

"The commercial operation of Vogtle Unit 3 signifies a significant milestone for US nuclear energy and a step forward in promoting global clean and reliable energy solutions. We are delighted to witness the successful deployment of this enhanced Westinghouse AP1000 reactor, shaping the future energy landscape," said Maria Korsnick, CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute.

Scott Burnell, a spokesperson for nuclear regulation, mentioned that the last nuclear reactor in the US began supplying energy to the grid in October 2016 when the Tennessee Valley Authority commenced commercial operation of its Watts Bar Unit 2 near Spring City, Tennessee. Prior to that, there had been no new nuclear reactor online since Watts Bar 1 in May 1996.

Previously reported, Westinghouse plans to construct nine AP1000 reactors in Ukraine. Currently, the technology is being considered for implementation in numerous projects in Central and Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom, India, China, as well as the United States.