Georgia's Hatch Nuclear Plant breaks ground for new energy education center

Groundbreaking was held Monday at the Edwin Irby Hatch Nuclear Plant near Baxley, Georgia, for a new Plant Hatch Energy Education Center.

The center will serve community functions and will allow visitors to learn about nuclear energy and its benefits. This facility will replace the visitor's center that was recently demolished.

"It was a sad day when our old building was demolished, but today was a good day for new opportunities," Hatch Nuclear Plant Communication Coordinator Pamela Mays said. "We are happy to get construction underway for our energy education center and are looking forward to its completion."
  
During the construction process, limited tours will be offered at the site. Approximately 3,500 visitors come to the facility on an annual basis. The original visitor's center opened in 1971. Over the course of the center's life it hosted approximately 500,000 people which includes local school groups.

"We're excited about our new energy education center and the enhancements it will bring to our public outreach program," Site Vice President David Vineyard said. "This investment will help us better educate future generations on the benefits of nuclear energy as well as career opportunities at Plant Hatch."

The facility is expected to be completed by July of 2016.

The plant is owned and operated by Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Southern Co.