Google to fund Georgia Power nuclear reactor upgrades

Google and Georgia Power have entered into an agreement where the tech company will help fund upgrades to nuclear reactors in Georgia. The initiative aims to increase energy production at four older reactors located at Plant Vogtle near Augusta and Plant Hatch near Baxley.

Under a proposed subscription program, large customers like Google would pay a fee in addition to their standard electricity bills to cover the upgrade costs. In return, Google would receive credit toward its goal of using only carbon-free energy by 2030. This model is similar to existing programs for renewable energy sources like solar.

Georgia Power is seeking permission from the Georgia Public Service Commission to proceed with the Plant Hatch updates and implement the new subscription program. The upgrades are expected to add 96 megawatts of nuclear capacity to the grid and are projected to provide approximately $900 million in benefits to customers over the life of the units.