Nuclear energy has been a significant part of Georgia’s electricity supply for over five decades, currently generating about 25% of the state’s power from two plants: Plant Hatch near Vidalia and Plant Vogtle near Augusta. These facilities have maintained an average capacity factor of 94% in the last ten years, reflecting their consistent full-power operation. Since 1975, Georgia’s nuclear units have produced more than 1.2 billion megawatt hours of net generation.
Georgia Power, along with co-owners Oglethorpe Power Corporation, Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, and Dalton Utilities, is commemorating several milestones this year. Plant Hatch Unit 1 began commercial operations in December 1975 and marks its fiftieth year in service. The expansion of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 also reached its one-year completion anniversary this past spring.
“Nuclear energy serves as the bedrock of our diverse generation fleet, ready and available when we need it, with a stable, predictable cost to operate and no air emissions,” said Kim Greene, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. “We’re grateful that, well over 50 years ago, state leaders at that time recognized the value of this energy source and took steps to make sure that a growing Georgia had the energy it needed. Customers today directly benefit from that foresight. Now, as our state continues to be the economic powerhouse of the Southeast, work continues with the Georgia Public Service Commission and many other stakeholders to build on that legacy as we maintain, evolve and expand our diverse generation mix to serve customers today, and 50 years from today.”
Ongoing efforts include modernizing existing nuclear units by extending operating licenses and increasing output where possible. Southern Nuclear operates both Plants Hatch and Vogtle on behalf of Georgia Power and its partners. The company has implemented industry advancements such as digital upgrades and artificial intelligence applications. In 2018 at Plant Hatch they were first worldwide to install enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel technologies; more recently they introduced higher-uranium-enriched fuel at Vogtle Units 1 & 2.
“Our workforce comes from a wide variety of backgrounds, including the nuclear Navy, with each individual dedicated to safely and efficiently operating these nuclear units to serve electric customers across Georgia,” said Pete Sena, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Nuclear. “The nuclear industry represents the best of American energy production, and I couldn’t be more proud to lead this team of highly skilled professionals across Southern Nuclear who work together to drive innovation and performance at our current plants, but also as we work together to grow the future of clean energy in this country.”
Southern Nuclear employs more than 2,600 people across both sites; over time these plants have provided around 18,000 full-time jobs.
In addition to employment opportunities for thousands statewide residents (including many veterans), Plants Hatch and Vogtle contribute annually over $85 million in property taxes supporting local infrastructure like schools and roads while engaging with community organizations such as United Way or STEM education programs.
Plant Hatch played a pivotal role since its launch during a period when roughly 85 percent of Georgia Power’s electricity came from fossil fuels. The introduction of emission-free nuclear power marked a turning point toward diversifying sources for cleaner generation.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) initially licensed Hatch Unit 1 in 1974; Unit 2 followed soon after. In 2002 those licenses were extended by another twenty years; now Southern Nuclear is seeking NRC approval for further renewal—potentially allowing continued operation through mid-century (read more).
Named after Alvin Vogtle—a World War II veteran who later led Southern Company—Plant Vogtle opened its first two units in the late ‘80s before expanding further recently: With all four reactors now running it stands as America’s largest clean-energy generator—expected annual output exceeds thirty million megawatt hours (learn more). The new reactors have performed reliably since entering commercial service; strategic planning delayed initial refueling so Unit 4 could remain online during peak summer demand.
