First nuclear reactor approved in U.S. since 1978

But no nuclear renaissance appears to be imminent, despite the go-ahead to build and operate two new reactors in Georgia.

David Biello  February 13, 2012 9:05 AM PST

Years of shifting and smoothing Georgia red clay paid off last week, as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission voted to allow construction of two new nuclear reactors near Augusta.

Atlanta-based utility giant Southern Co. will soon have permission to complete construction and operate two AP1000 type nuclear reactors (PDF) at the Plant Vogtle nuclear power station.

But what were initially lauded as the first reactors of a nuclear renaissance when proposed are more likely to be the exceptions that prove the rule of no new nuclear construction in the U.S. Only this twin set of Westinghouse-designed reactors in Georgia, another pair in South Carolina and the completion of an old reactor in Tennessee are likely to be built in the U.S. for at least the next decade.