Georgia Power starts hot functional testing of Vogtle Unit 4

International Resource News - 21 March 2023

Georgia Power, the electric subsidiary of US-based utility company Southern Company (NYSE: SO), has started hot functional testing of its Vogtle Unit 4 Nuclear power plant in Georgia, USA.

Hot functional testing represents the last series of ongoing major tests for the new nuclear unit ahead of initial fuel load. It is claimed to be a significant step towards operations and offering customers a reliable, carbon-free energy source for the next 60 to 80 years. It is carried out to verify the operation of reactor components and systems together, and to confirm that the reactor is ready for fuel load. Further to the testing, the site team is to start operating Unit four plant systems, without nuclear fuel in the reactor, and progress through the testing process towards reaching normal operating pressure and temperature.

Vogtle Unit 4 is likely to enter service in late fourth quarter 2023 or first quarter 2024.