LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Georgia leading the country in nuclear energy innovation

To the Editor:

For many years, I have worked to educate local students on the value of nuclear power and tried to make energy exciting for those I teach. The news of Plant Vogtle’s Unit 3 coming online so close to home just made my job a lot easier.

By powering up the first newly constructed nuclear reactor deployed in the U.S. in over 30 years — and the first advanced reactor in our nation’s history — we are showing the next generation what’s possible when innovation meets investment in the development of our work force, empowering local people to learn skilled trades with new technology. Plant Vogtle employed more than 9,000 workers during peak construction of Units 3 and 4 and will create 800 permanent jobs once both units are online.

Now that it’s online, Unit 3 is expected to power an estimated 500,000 homes and reduce emissions by the equivalent of taking 3.5 million cars off the road. When Unit 4 comes online, Plant Vogtle will be the largest generator of clean energy in the nation.

Georgians have a lot to be proud of as we reach this historic milestone, and I look forward to sharing the good news with my students.

Patti Howell

Americus