ATLANTA, Nov. 25, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Major systems
testing is underway at Georgia Power's Vogtle 3 & 4 nuclear
expansion project near Waynesboro,
Georgia, as the site continues to transition from
construction toward system operations. The latest phase of testing,
Open Vessel Testing, will demonstrate how water flows from the key
safety systems into the reactor vessel ensuring the paths are not
blocked or constricted.
"This is a significant step on our path towards operations,"
said Glen Chick, Vogtle 3 & 4
Construction Executive Vice President. "Open Vessel Testing will
prepare the unit for cold hydro testing and hot functional testing
next year – both critical tests required ahead of initial fuel
load."
Open Vessel Testing will also confirm that the pumps, motors,
valves, pipes and other components of the systems function as
designed. It follows the Integrated Flush process, which began in
August, to push water through system piping and mechanical
components that feed into the Unit 3 reactor vessel and reactor
coolant loops for the first time. Integrated Flush will clean and
remove any foreign material ahead of the initial startup of the
unit.
Significant progress continues at the site with recent
milestones completed, including the placement of the final
reinforced concrete portion of the Unit 4 shield building. The
148-cubic yard placement took eight hours to complete and, once
cured, allows for the placement of the first course of
double-decker panels. Also, the upper inner casing for the Unit 3
high-pressure turbine has been placed, signifying the completion of
the centerline alignment, which will mean minimal vibration and
less stress on the rotors during operations, resulting in more
efficient power generation.
Vogtle 3 & 4 is currently the largest jobs-producing
construction project in the state of Georgia, with more than 8,000 workers
currently on site, and more than 800 jobs available once the units
begin operating.
Follow the progress being made at the site with the Plant Vogtle
3 and 4 Online Photo Gallery and Georgia Power YouTube
channel.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest
electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's
premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and
Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6
million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to
delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates
below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse,
innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural
gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.
Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its
customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by
J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer
satisfaction. For more information, visit
www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook
(Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and
Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
Certain information contained in this release is
forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans
that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information
includes, among other things, statements concerning the expected
schedule for construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Georgia
Power cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual
results to differ materially from the forward-looking information
that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue
reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a
guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of
uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the
control of Georgia Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance
that such suggested results will be realized. The following
factors, in addition to those discussed in Georgia Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2018 and
subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ
materially from management expectations as suggested by such
forward-looking information: the ability to control costs and avoid
cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction,
and operation of facilities, including Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4,
which includes components based on new technology that only
recently began initial operation in the global nuclear industry at
this scale, and including changes in labor costs, availability and
productivity; challenges with management of contractors,
subcontractors or vendors; adverse weather conditions; shortages,
delays, increased costs or inconsistent quality of equipment,
materials, and labor; contractor or supplier delay; delays due to
judicial or regulatory action; nonperformance under construction,
operating, or other agreements; operational readiness, including
specialized operator training and required site safety programs;
engineering or design problems; design and other licensing-based
compliance matters, including the timely submittal by Southern
Nuclear of the Inspections, Tests, Analyses, and Acceptance
Criteria documentation for each unit and the related reviews and
approvals by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission ("NRC")
necessary to support NRC authorization to load fuel; challenges
with start-up activities, including major equipment failure, system
integration or regional transmission upgrades; and/or operational
performance; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with
the requirements of permits and licenses (including satisfaction of
NRC requirements), to satisfy any environmental performance
standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives,
and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon
completion of construction; legal proceedings and regulatory
approvals and actions related to construction projects, such as
Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 and pipeline projects, including public
service commission approvals and Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission and NRC actions; under certain specified circumstances,
a decision by holders of more than 10% of the ownership interests
of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 not to proceed with construction, and
the ability of other Vogtle owners to tender a portion of their
ownership interests to Georgia Power following certain construction
cost increases; the inherent risks involved in operating and
constructing nuclear generating facilities; the ability of
counterparties of Georgia Power and its subsidiaries to make
payments as and when due and to perform as required. Georgia Power
expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward‐looking
information.
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SOURCE Georgia Power