U.S. Energy Secretary Urges More Nuclear Reactors for Cleaner Energy

ATLANTA — U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm stressed the need for more nuclear reactors as she lauded the completion of reactors 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle, calling for an additional 98 reactors of similar capacity across the United States to meet the growing demand for electricity while reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Each of the newly completed reactors at Plant Vogtle has the ability to power 500,000 homes and businesses without emitting any carbon, serving as a significant step towards achieving the country’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Granholm emphasized the importance of expanding nuclear power generation, stating, “It is now time for others to follow their lead to reach our goal of getting to net zero by 2050. We have to at least triple our current nuclear capacity in this country.”

Despite the federal government’s efforts to mitigate the risks associated with nuclear construction, the $11 billion in cost overruns at Plant Vogtle near Augusta serve as a cautionary tale for other utilities considering similar projects. Chris Womack, CEO of Southern Co., the parent company of Georgia Power, expressed support for Granholm’s call for more nuclear power but indicated that his company may not embark on new projects in the near future.

Womack stated, “I think the federal government should provide a leadership role in facilitating and making that become a reality. We’ve had a long experience, and we’re going to celebrate what we’ve gotten done here for a good little while.”

The completion of reactors 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle marked a significant milestone, albeit seven years behind schedule. Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia hailed the accomplishment, noting that the state is now home to two new nuclear reactors that contribute clean and green energy to the grid.

The longevity of the two new units is expected to span between 60 to 80 years, providing long-term benefits and energy security for the region. President Joe Biden’s administration has expressed support for nuclear power, convening a meeting to create a working group aimed at addressing challenges faced by projects like Vogtle and promoting the adoption of nuclear energy as a clean energy alternative.

Granholm highlighted the importance of learning from past mistakes and leveraging new design innovations to lower costs for future nuclear projects. She emphasized the potential for more efficient and cost-effective models of reactors similar to those at Plant Vogtle to be built in the future, driving down overall expenses and increasing accessibility to clean energy sources.

In Georgia, electric customers have already shouldered the expenses for Vogtle, which is considered one of the most costly power plant projects in the country. The federal government’s assistance in guaranteeing loan repayments and reducing borrowing costs has helped alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with the project.

Despite the challenges, stakeholders remain optimistic about the future of nuclear energy in the United States, with the completion of reactors 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle serving as a testament to the potential of nuclear power to address energy needs while combating climate change.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

The completion of reactors 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle in Atlanta, celebrated by U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, highlights the importance of nuclear power in addressing climate change and meeting energy needs in the United States. Granholm emphasized the necessity of building 98 more reactors like those at Plant Vogtle to achieve the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. While the federal government is taking steps to ease the risks associated with nuclear construction, the $11 billion in cost overruns at Plant Vogtle serve as a cautionary tale for other utilities.