Two weeks after Vogtle Unit 3 in Waynesboro reached initial criticality, Georgia Power has announced that hot functional testing — the last in a series of tests ahead of the initial fuel load — has begun for Unit 4. The power provider is touting this latest phase in Plant Vogtle’s Southern Nuclear project as a “significant step towards operations and providing customers with a reliable, carbon-free energy source for the next 60 to 80 years.”
The plant completed cold hydro testing Unit 4 late last year, proving the reactor’s coolant system was functioning properly. Hot functional testing is conducted to verify that reactor components and systems are operating well together, and to confirm the reactor is ready for fuel load. Georgia Power started the fuel load of Unit 3 last fall.
As part of the testing, the site team will begin running Unit 4 plant systems without nuclear fuel in the reactor, and advance through the testing process towards reaching normal operating pressure and temperature.
Nuclear operators will use the heat generated by the unit’s four reactor coolant pumps to raise the temperature and pressure of plant systems to normal operating levels. Once the proper temperature and pressure levels are sustained, the main turbine will be raised to normal operating speed, using steam from the plant. During these series of tests, nuclear operators will be able to exercise and validate procedures as required ahead of fuel load.
Georgia Power projects Vogtle Unit 4 will enter service in late 2023 or early 2024.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
