Last week, the greatest evidence that the Nuclear Renaissance is alive and well was announced: After a three-decade hiatus, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved the construction of two new nuclear reactors.
Southern Co.'s Vogtle power plant in Georgia was granted a license by the NRC which allows the construction and conditional operation of two reactors. The NRC last approved construction of a new nuclear power plant in 1978 for Progress Energy's Sharon Harris plant.
The announcement of Vogtle's approval is great news for thousands of workers in Georgia as Southern Co. estimates the construction of the new reactors will create 4,000 to 5,000 jobs. Roughly 1,500 workers are currently on site.
In addition to creating jobs, the new reactors will provide safe and reliable energy to thousands of people. Vogtle's first two reactors began operation in the late '80s and produce a total of 2,450 megawatts, enough energy to power more than two cities the size of Charlotte, NC. The new reactors will produce 2,200 megawatts. When the reactors are completed, the Vogtle plant will be the largest nuclear complex in the United States.
Further Reading:
- NRC New Nuclear Licensing Process - The NIC
- New Nuclear Plants Under Cost, Deadline Scrutiny - AOL Energy
- Regulators approve construction of first nuclear reactors in more than 30 years - The Hill
- Vogtle Expansion to Bring Jobs, Hope to Rural Region - Atlanta Journal-Constitution
