Vogtle AP1000 (Units 3 & 4)
Waynesboro, Georgia, USA [INTERNATIONAL] · Construction 2009-2024 · ~£27.6bn (2024 prices, based on $36.8bn and ~0.747 GBP/USD)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project faced substantial delays and cost increases, highlighting the difficulties of building first-of-a-kind Generation III+ reactors in the US. - Lessons learned regarding the complexities of modular construction, supply chain management, and the need for robust project oversight. - Despite challenges, the successful completion of Units 3 and 4 marks the first new nuclear reactors built in the US in decades, demonstrating the feasibility of the AP1000 design.
Key engineering challenges
Significant cost overruns and delays (more than double original estimates), making it one of the most expensive nuclear projects globally. - Challenges with modular construction, including defective modules and workforce constraints. - Managing a complex supply chain and integrating components from various manufacturers. - Ensuring stringent safety and regulatory compliance for a Generation III+ reactor design.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Southern Company (Georgia Power)
- Lead contractor
- Westinghouse, Bechtel
- Lead designers
- Westinghouse (AP1000 design)
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- Two AP1000 reactors, ~2,234 MWe total (1,117 MWe each)
- Disciplines
- nuclear; civil; structural; mechanical; electrical; process; safety; modular construction
- Standards & frameworks
- NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) regulations
Sources: Wikipedia: Vogtle Electric Generating Plant (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vogtle_Electric_Generating_Plant) - EIA: Plant Vogtle Unit 4 begins commercial operation (https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61963) - Bechtel: Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (https://www.bechtel.com/projects/vogtle-units-3-and-4/) - Third Act: PLANT VOGTLE: The True Cost of Nuclear Power in the U.S. (https://thirdact.org/georgia/2024/06/09/plant-vogtle-the-true-cost-of-nuclear-power-in-the-u-s/) - ANS Nuclear News: Vogtle project update: Cost likely to top $30 billion (https://www.ans.org/news/article-3949/vogtle-project-update-cost-likely-to-top-30-billion/) - Columbia Energy Policy: Vogtle Unit 3 Has Started Commercial Operations. What’s Next for the AP1000? (https://www.energypolicy.columbia.edu/vogtle-unit-3-has-started-commercial-operations-whats-next-for-the-ap1000/)