U.S. set to build first nuclear plant since 1978

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – Months after Japan’s tsunami-triggered meltdown of the Fukushima nuclear reactor, the United States has approved the construction of first new nuclear power reactors in more than 30 years.

The two 1,100 megawatt Westinghouse-Toshiba AP1000, which will be built in Georgia, are the first since 1978.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved plans for the reactors by a 4 to 1 vote. The only opponent was NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko, who stressed the need for binding commitments from builders that they would implement design fixes to fully address risks exposed by the Japanese crisis. However, other NRC commissioners did not see the need for any such commitment.

Approval of the $14 billion project came nearly seven years after the company sought permission for it.

Atlanta-based Southern Co. said construction of the first reactor would be completed by 2016 and the second a year later.

“Today is an historic day,” Southern Co.’s president Thomas Fanning said. “These two new units will set the standard for safety and efficiency in the nuclear industry.”

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