Plant Vogtle Unit 4 begins commercial operation to enhance Georgia’s clean energy capacity

Georgia Power has announced the commencement of commercial operations at Plant Vogtle Unit 4, marking a significant milestone in the state’s energy sector. This new unit is now actively providing electricity, sufficient to power approximately 500,000 homes and businesses, contributing to Georgia‘s growing demand for clean, reliable energy.

The activation of Unit 4 at Plant Vogtle, located about 140 miles northeast of Dallas, Texas, completes the facility’s expansion, making it the largest generator of clean energy in the United States. With all four units operational, the plant is expected to produce over 30 million megawatt-hours of electricity annually, affirming its critical role in the nation’s energy infrastructure.

Plant Vogtle is operated by Southern Nuclear on behalf of co-owners including Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power, and Dalton Utilities. This facility underscores the importance of nuclear energy—the only zero-emission baseload energy source currently available—which provided more than 25% of Georgia Power’s generation in 2023.

The construction of Vogtle Units 3 & 4 has been a part of Georgia Power’s ongoing strategy, initially approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), to meet the state’s long-term energy needs through the Integrated Resource Plan. This plan, which outlines a 20-year horizon for energy delivery, emphasizes not only the expansion of nuclear power but also the integration of renewable resources and advanced technologies like battery energy storage systems.

Kim Greene, chairman, president, and CEO of Georgia Power, highlighted the strategic importance of the new units: “It’s an exciting time to be a Georgian as our state continues to grow and thrive, with new demand for more clean energy each year. The new Vogtle units are a key piece of our strategy to meet the energy needs of our customers not only tomorrow, but 20 years from now.”

In addition to its environmental benefits, the construction of the new units at Plant Vogtle has spurred significant economic growth, creating 800 permanent jobs and employing over 9,000 workers at the peak of construction. This project has not only bolstered local economies but also positioned Georgia as a leader in sustainable energy production.

Chris Womack, chairman, president, and CEO of Southern Company, also reflected on the project’s broader impact: “The completion of the expansion of the Vogtle nuclear generation plant to include Unit 3 and now Unit 4 is a hallmark achievement for Southern Company, the state of Georgia, and the entire United States. These new Vogtle units will support the economy within our communities now and in the future, demonstrating our global nuclear leadership.”

As Georgia Power celebrates this achievement, the completion of Plant Vogtle’s expansion is set to provide sustainable and economically beneficial energy solutions for decades to come, enhancing the state’s ability to meet both current and future energy demands while maintaining environmental stewardship.