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Understanding Vogtle

James Krellenstein deep-dives America's most recent nuclear build

Apr 16, 2024

In this four-part special, nuclear founder and consultant James Krellenstein gives detailed insight into the saga of construction at the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia.

Listen to the episodes and follow along with transcripts at the following links. Alternatively, view or share the series on YouTube.

Vogtle Part 1: The Nuclear Renaissance That Wasn't

Chris Keefer

January 25, 2024

Vogtle Part 1: The Nuclear Renaissance That Wasn't

James Krellenstein returns to dig into what went wrong at Vogtle and why the nuclear “Renaissance” of the early 2000’s ended up a flop.

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Vogtle Part 2: Murphy’s Law

Chris Keefer

February 12, 2024

James Krellenstein and I continue our deep dive analysis of what went wrong at Vogtle. The discussion focuses on the challenges faced during the construction of the Vogtle nuclear power plant, highlighting issues such as design finality, regulatory compliance, and the impact of construction delays on skilled labor retention.

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Vogtle Part 3: Was the NRC to blame?

Chris Keefer

February 20, 2024

James Krellenstein returns to deeper dive the lessons of Vogtle and VC Summer. The discussion focuses on the challenges faced by the nuclear industry, particularly regarding the Vogtle project and the role of the NRC.

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Vogtle Part 4: Can Positive Learning Happen Next?

Chris Keefer

April 16, 2024

Vogtle Part 4: Can Positive Learning Happen Next?

The Grand Finale is here. We wrestle with the question of whether nuclear can find its groove and the positive learning rates that have eluded it so frequently. Vogtle unit 4 came in 40% cheaper than unit 3. Can those gains continue downwards? Is Vogtle 5 more likely to follow this cost reduction curve compared to a new AP1000 elsewhere?

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