Southern seeks licence renewal for Vogtle

02 July 2007

Southern Nuclear Operating Co plans to apply to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a 20-year extension to the operating licence of the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia. The original 40-year licences for Vogtle-1 and -2 expire in 2027 and 2029, respectively. Both reactors are 1215 MWe Westinghouse pressurized water reactors (PWRs). "These units are fully capable of providing critical generation, and we need to maximize their potential," said Barnie Beasley, president and CEO, Southern Nuclear. "It's the right business decision for our customers in Georgia, because these units can continue to operate safely, providing reliable, low cost, emissions-free electricity." Although Southern Nuclear holds the operating licence of the Vogtle plant, the plant itself is jointly owned by Georgia Power (45.7%), Oglethorpe Power Corp (30%), Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (22.7%) and the City of Dalton (1.6%). A decision on licence renewal from the NRC is expected in 2009.

Further information

Southern Nuclear

WNA's US Nuclear Power Industry information paper

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