New Georgia nuclear plant begins splitting atoms for the first time

KARAH RUCKER: FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES – A NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IS SEEING SELF-SUSTAINING NUCLEAR FISSION.

ONE OF TWO NEW REACTORS BEGAN SPLITTING ATOMS, ACCORDING TO GEORGIA POWER. 

THIS IS A KEY STEP IN GETTING THE REACTORS INTO COMMERCIAL OPERATION.

THE REACTION CREATES INTENSE HEAT THAT WILL BE USED TO PRODUCE STEAM AND SPIN TURBINES TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY. 

THESE NUCLEAR REACTORS WERE BUILT FROM SCRATCH – WITH 2 ADDITIONAL REACTORS SET TO BEGIN OPERATION IN MAY OR JUNE. 

THE PLANT IS LOCATED SOUTHEAST OF AUGUSTA GEORGIA – AND IS THE ONLY NUCLEAR PLANT CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE UNITED STATES.

THESE NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS DON’T COME CHEAP. TOTAL SPENDING ON THE PROJECT IS SITTING AT MORE THAN 34-BILLION-DOLLARS.