U.S. Energy Secretary Says Nuclear Power Plays Important Role In National Energy Policy and Job Creation

Aerial view of the Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant. Existing reactors (#1 and #2, domed structures in center) and cooling towers (on the right). The construction site for reactors #3 and #4 is on the left.

U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu told workers at Southern Company subsidiary Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle last week that nuclear power will continue to be an important part of the energy mix in the United States and around the world.

In a speech before several hundred plant employees, Chu outlined a national energy policy that values the role nuclear plays in confronting energy security and jobs creation in a struggling global economy. Vogtle is the site of America's next new nuclear units, the first to be built in a generation.

"In his State of the Union address, President Obama outlined a blueprint for an American economy that is built to last and develops every available source of American energy," said Secretary Chu. "Nuclear power is an important part of that blueprint. The work being done in Georgia and at research organizations like Oak Ridge National Laboratory is helping restore American leadership in the global race for the nuclear energy jobs of tomorrow."

Chu was hosted by Southern Company CEO Thomas A. Fanning, Georgia Power CEO W. Paul Bowers and Shaw Group Chairman, President and CEO J.M. Bernhard Jr.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission had formerly issued the Combined Construction and Operating License (COL) for Plant Vogtle units 3 and 4, the first such license for a U.S. nuclear plant.

"Southern Company has consistently promoted an energy policy that is grounded on the principle of energy security and argues for taking advantage of all of our nation's energy resources - nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency," said Fanning. "No single technology will solve all of our challenges, but it is clear nuclear energy is a big part of the solution."

"Not only will the addition of units 3 and 4 provide our customers with clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity, but this project is putting people to work," said Bowers. "The Vogtle investment is expected to create 25,000 direct and indirect jobs, including 4,000 to 5,000 jobs on site during peak construction, and 800 permanent jobs once the units are in operation."

The company expects to deliver to Georgia Power customers more than $1 billion in benefits from the Department of Energy loan guarantees, production tax credits and recovering financing costs during construction.

Georgia Power expects Unit 3 to begin operating in 2016 and Unit 4 in 2017.