2023-03-20 19:11:11 ET
Southern Co.'s ( NYSE: SO ) Georgia Power said Monday that Plant Vogtle Unit 4 has started hot functional testing , the last series of critical tests for the new nuclear unit ahead of initial fuel loading.
As part of the testing, Georgia Power said 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.
Once normal operating temperature and pressure levels are achieved and sustained, Georgia Power said the unit's main turbine will be raised to normal operating speed using steam from the plant; nuclear operators will be able to exercise and validate procedures during the tests as required ahead of fuel load.
Vogtle Unit 4 is projected to enter service in Q4 2023 or Q1 2024.
Earlier this month, Georgia Power said it safely reached initial criticality at its Vogtle Unit 3 reactor, a necessary step in continuing to the startup of the unit .
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Georgia Power starts hot functional testing at Vogtle Unit 4