• partial_accumen@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Let me preface this that I’m not a huge fan of nuclear, but I do like factual information.

    Could NOT get the nuclear power plant in Georgia off the ground for how long?

    If you’re talking about Vogtle, it took about 13 years and 14 years. (two reactors)

    Did it ever get finished?

    Yes. If you want to be specific the original two reactors were finished in 2008. The new work was for the other two reactors. That’s what took 14 years. Of the two new reactors, one started providing commercial power for the first time in June of 2023. The second new reactor only started providing commercial power in Feb of 2024.

    But when corporate wants it just fucking happens 🤡

    Different type of power plants between what is being discussed for Google and what was put in at Vogtle in Georgia.

    Vogtle was completing construction of an existing older design. Think of this like a bespoke tailored suit. It is crazy expensive, and only fits you.

    What most of these tech companies are going for is called Small Modular Reactors (SMR). Think of this as like buying a ready-to-wear suit off the rack. Its not nearly as fancy or as impressive (usually much smaller power generation), but its not custom made so its much cheaper.