Georgia Power recently announced completion of another important step in the construction of the new nuclear units at the Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear expansion site near Waynesboro, Ga.
The company shared that Southern Nuclear has submitted documentation that all 398 inspections, tests and analyses have been performed and all acceptance criteria, collectively known as ITAACs, have been met on Vogtle Unit 3 as required by Southern Nuclear’s Combined Operating License. The completion of these ITAACs provides the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) assurance that the unit meets strict nuclear safety and quality standards.
As defined by the NRC, each ITAAC closure notice must be verified before fuel load.
Next, the company awaits receipt of the 103(g) finding from the NRC documenting that license acceptance criteria for Unit 3 have been met. This will indicate that the new unit has been constructed and will be operated in conformance with its Combined License and NRC regulations. Upon receipt of the 103(g) finding from the NRC, no further NRC findings are necessary in order for Southern Nuclear to load fuel and begin the startup sequence.
The company said last week that “the team at the site continues working vigorously to bring the units online and continues preparations for Unit 3 fuel load and start up.”
Southern Company said in a recent news release that “The new Vogtle units are an essential part of Georgia Power’s commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy. Once operating, the two new units at Plant Vogtle are expected to power more than 500,000 homes and businesses, providing clean energy with no carbon emissions for the next 60 to 80 years.”
