The Vogtle-3 nuclear power station in the US state of Georgia has achieved first criticality, a major landmark towards reaching commercial operation at the first new nuclear reactor built from scratch in decades in the US.
First criticality is a key step during the startup testing sequence and demonstrates that – for the first time – operators have safely started the nuclear reaction inside the reactor. This means atoms are being split and nuclear heat is being made, which will be used to produce steam.
Chris Womack, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Georgia Power, said the company remains focused on safely bringing the 1,117-MW pressurised water reactor (PWR) unit online, fully addressing any issues and getting it right at every level.
“Reaching initial criticality is one of the final steps in the startup process and has required tremendous diligence and attention to detail from our teams,” he said.
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