Georgia leaders see economic power in the first constructed nuclear units in the U.S. in more than 30 years, calling Plant Vogtle the largest generator of clean energy in the nation.

Gov. Brian Kemp accompanied House Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, at Plant Vogtle on Wednesday and toured the newly finished facilities of the third and fourth units. Once all four units are in commercial operation, the plant will generate enough electricity to power one million homes and businesses for an estimated 60-80 years. 

“Plant Vogtle represents an incredible feat of ingenuity, partnership and technological innovation,” Burns said in a press release Wednesday. 

“The successful completion of this project will provide Georgia families and businesses with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy for generations to come.”

The plant, which began construction in 1976, is operated by Southern Nuclear. According to the Georgia Power website, nuclear power plants like Vogtle can generate more than twice as much energy as wind and solar resources.

Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power, said the new units are the first nuclear generators to be built in the U.S. in more than 30 years.

“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 decades from now,” Greene said.

“Safe, reliable & affordable energy is vital to our state’s economic success,” state Attorney General Chris Carr posted on X.

Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, also posted on X that businesses want reliable, sustainable energy options.

“Plant Vogtle sets Georgia apart, providing solutions that meet both of these requirements through the largest source of clean, carbon-neutral energy in the Western Hemisphere,” Wilson said.
You can reach Nava Rawls at [email protected] or on X @navarawls.