The finished $35 billion Plant Vogtle scheme in Georgia, despite delays and exceeding its budget, stimulates backing for nuclear power in Congress. Georgia legislators maintain their passion for nuclear energy even after the state underwent one of the lengthiest and costliest nuclear schemes in U.S. history.

The Achievement at Plant Vogtle

In May, the buildout of Plant Vogtle was completed, adding two additional jumbo reactors that supply around 2,200 megawatts of zero emission power. These reactors came into operation seven years late and exceedingly twice the original $14 billion projected cost. Still, Georgia’s lawmakers on Capitol Hill see this project as a stepping-stone for future nuclear initiatives.

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) showed his backing by saying “Indeed, I think they should construct another one because they’ll get more proficient at it. It’s the cleanest power you can have out there, and we will require a major increase in energy generation.”

Legislative Encouragement

Nuclear power is gaining strides on Capitol Hill. Recently, the Senate passed legislation lessening impediments on smaller next-gen reactors awaiting President Joe Biden’s signoff. Also, an announcement of a $900 million investment to facilitate growth of small reactor sector came from the administration with Nuclear Regulatory Commission expecting two dozen proposals for novel and advanced nuclear projects within five years.

Obstacles and Worries

The industry still faces hurdles despite all optimism. Persistent issues include cost spikes and delays. In November a trailblazing compact modular reactor scheme planned for Idaho was abandoned by its developer emphasizing financial perils involved in such projects. Some argue federal support is necessary for future ventures to reduce these fiscal risks.

The Conservative Climate Caucus visited Plant Vogtle in May stressing the importance of nuclear power. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm along with other Biden administration associates also toured the plant, applauding Georgia’s actions and motivating other states to do the same. Granholm quoted, “Southern Company and Waynesboro have been the trailblazers here. But now it’s time others take inspiration from them. To achieve our target of net zero by 2050, we must at least triple our current nuclear capacity in this country.”

Gov. Brian Kemp reinforced this view requesting planning for a fifth reactor at Vogtle.

Experience Based Learning

Lawmakers accept setbacks but have faith that accrued experience will contribute to future ventures. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), an initial advocate of the venture stated, “There were numerous incidents that delayed final operational commencement, but we managed all of them. I believe it turned to be victorious and hopefully it stays true for many years ahead.”

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), presiding over House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing and Critical Materials suggested that if current reactors perform well another reactor might be considered while Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), highlighted reliability attribute of nuclear energy.

Fiscal and Green Concerns

For Public Service Commission election candidate, Democrat running Patty Durand, believes that profit made by Georgia Power should cover overrun costs relieving consumers. This vertically arranged model of Georgia Power, that assures investment return for the utility, is a bone of contention.

Nuclear Schemes Ahead

Edwin Lyman, senior scientist with Union of Concerned Scientists signaled high expenses associated with schemes like Vogtle discourage utilities to invest in new big reactors. He stated that “Considering the experience at Vogtle, utility companies would need more assurances than just hopeful expression to invest in similar ventures.”

Tim Echols, a Georgia Public Service Commission representative feels it’s essential for federal backing to secure future projects protecting payers from sky-high expenses. Assuring financial cushion will require considerable fiscal funding from the government.

Cutting Red Tape and Innovating

There are mixed opinions among lawmakers whether or not more federal investments would help while there seems agreement on how easing regulatory restrictions can be a game changer for small reactors. The ADVANCE Act passed recently is meant to make life easier for smaller reactors by speeding up the permit process promising reductions in cost as well as timeline.

Sen Shelley Moore Capito highlights how this bill can check ever increasing costs of projects from time overruns. Rep Buddy Carter stresses successful functioning of Vogtle reactors over coming years can help validate new innovations and technologies built so far suggesting possibility of building more in near future.

Last Thoughts

The completed Plant Vogtle has breathed fresh air into nuclear energy debates in Capitol Hill where hurdles and financial worries remain, but lawmakers keep a positive outlook towards future of nuclear power advocating extensive federal support. While betting on technological innovations keeping nuclear industry ready for big growth hoping to have net zero emission by 2050.