Southern Co. ( NYSE: SO ) +1.2% in Wednesday's trading after the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approves loading radioactive fuel and begin the operation of one of two new reactors at the Voglte 3 nuclear plant in Georgia.
The authorization makes Vogtle 3 the first reactor in the U.S. to reach the milestone as part of the NRC's Part 52 combined license process.
After the fuel is loaded, operators will test to make sure the reactor can operate at the extreme temperature and pressure needed to split atoms; upon completion of those tests, operators will link up the plant to the electric grid.
Vogtle 3 is one of two 1,117-MW Westinghouse AP1000 reactors Southern ( SO ) is building as part of the frequently delayed plant expansion.
While years behind schedule, Southern ( SO ) said last week that it expects Unit 3 to enter service in Q1 2023 with Unit 4 following by year-end 2023 .
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Georgia Vogtle nuclear plant approved to load fuel at new reactor