The High Cost of Nuclear Fission Reactors: A Case Study

The construction of new nuclear fission reactors is a complex and expensive process. In recent years, Georgia Power has been working on building two new reactors at its Plant Vogtle facility in Georgia, USA. The project, which began in 2009, has faced numerous delays and cost overruns.

According to recent reports, the total cost of the project has now reached over $34 billion, with the original estimate of $14 billion for the third and fourth reactors more than doubling. The latest set of delays includes a pipe part of a critical backup cooling system that was vibrating during startup testing. Additionally, construction workers had failed to install supports called for on blueprints, further adding to the project's costs.

Despite these challenges, Georgia Power is still aiming to start commercial operation at Unit 3 in May or June, with Unit 4 projected to begin operations sometime between November this year and March 2024. The company has already completed a key step towards reaching commercial operation by successfully splitting atoms inside the reactor at Plant Vogtle.

The high cost of nuclear fission reactors is a major concern for many stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and consumers. While nuclear power plants can provide a reliable source of electricity, they also come with significant risks and costs associated with construction, maintenance, and waste disposal.

In this case study, we explore the challenges faced by Georgia Power in building its new reactors at Plant Vogtle, and discuss the implications for the nuclear energy industry as a whole. By examining the factors that have contributed to the project's delays and cost overruns, we can gain a better understanding of the complexities involved in constructing a nuclear fission reactor.

Nuclear fission reactor cost