Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4 are playing a crucial role in helping the nation move toward a brighter future as the largest clean energy generator in the U.S. At POLITICO’s 2024 Energy Summit, Georgia Power Company CEO Kim Greene emphasized the importance of nuclear energy and a diverse energy portfolio as we continue delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to customers and communities. Watch: https://lnkd.in/gqWXKmHr
I struggle to provide some kind of value add comment about Kim Greene's statements on the completion of Vogtle 3&4, but I'm feeling the need. (beginning at minute 5:38). "The first new nuclear units from scratch in the United States in over 30 years . . . a huge accomplishment for this country . . . proud to show nuclear energy is absolutely doable . . . it was a tough journey . . . we learned a lot . . . lots of lessons learned to share with others. . ." While I am immensely happy that those 2 units are up and running, the overarching lesson learned is that the days of building large baseload nuclear units like those Westinghouse AP 1000 reactors in the US are behind us, at least for the foreseeable future. So I respectfully disagree that Georgia Power has shown nuclear energy is absolutely doable. Later in the talk she mentions the Secretary of Energy saying the need in the U.S. is for 200 more units; so this is 2 down and 198 to go. Only SMRs are being actively considered, and they are roughly 1/3 the capacity of the Vogtle units. Thus, one could say 863 units left to go! It should be obvious that only large units can meet the need and although I hate to say it, Vogtle has not shown us the way.
Southern Company has solid US executive leadership, balancing real US energy needs - with reasonable consumer pricing, fully transparent business practices, and “highly supportive” business partners. The savvy shareholders clearly agree as well. Keep up the good work Southern Company! 🇺🇸
Worth attending
It's fantastic that projects like this have come online! Southern, keep up the great work!