Plant Vogtle’s Unit 3 reactor delays operation due to degraded hydrogen seal. What we know

Operations on Plant Vogtle’s Unit 3 reactor are delayed by about a month due to a problem in the hydrogen system that is used to cool its main electrical generator.

During the pre-operational testing and start-up at Plant Vogtle Unit 3, Southern Nuclear identified a degraded hydrogen seal in the main generator, according to Jacob Hawkins, a spokesman for the Georgia Power Co.

What’s next?

Considering this remediation and the remaining pre-operational testing, Georgia Power now projects that the Vogtle Unit 3 in-service date will occur in July 2023.

Once all startup testing is successfully completed and the unit is available for safe, reliable dispatch, Vogtle Unit 3 will enter commercial operation.

“Unit 3 is approximately 95% complete,” said Hawkins. “Our team at the Plant Vogtle site will continue to work through the final stages of testing to help ensure the unit is ready to serve our customers with reliable, emissions-free energy to 2.7 million customers for the next 60 to 80 years.”

Georgia Power owns 45.7% of the new units with a total capital cost forecast of $10.2 billion, with the remaining portion being owned by Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities. More delays mean added cost. Vogtle, which is seven years behind schedule and with the latest delay brings total spending for everyone involved in the project close to $35 billion.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@gannett.com or on Twitter: @EricaVanBuren32

In case you missed it: Nuclear News: Plant Vogtle's Unit 3 has reached maximum energy output

And: Georgia nuclear rebirth arrives 7 years late, $17 billion over cost

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Plant Vogtle nuclear reactor delays operation due to degraded seal