First new reactors in 30 years approved by NRC

Bottom of containment vessel

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved the combined license for two new AP1000 reactors at Georgia's Vogtle nuclear plant Thursday afternoon -- the first time since 1978 a new nuclear plant has been licensed in the U.S.

Southern [Company] is building the new reactors with Oglethorpe Power Corporation (holding 30 percent ownership), the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (22.7 percent) and Dalton Utilities (1.6 percent). The project is expected to cost $13.3 billion.

As stated, the new reactor units will use the Westinghouse AP1000 design. There are six other sites in the United States seeking a license to build reactors of the same design; it is likely that the Green River plant will choose the AP1000 design as well.