Southern Nuclear receives two top industry awards for achievements in technology, innovation

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On Nov. 2, Southern Nuclear received notification from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) of two Technology Transfer Awards out of three entries for projects that were successful based on the application of research results. Award winners will be recognized at the EPRI Winter Nuclear Advisory Meeting held Feb. 8-11, 2016, in Austin, Texas.

Innovators honored with Technology Transfer Awards exemplify the collaboration and leadership that drive progress in the industry, benefit society and champion the use of EPRI-sponsored research results.

"I was excited to learn that our teams would receive awards for their innovative work in achieving excellence in performance by utilizing researched-based solutions," said Steve Kuczynski, President and CEO of Southern Nuclear. "Our teams demonstrated leadership by considering impacts, benefits and results to strategically solve problems, and these awards are a testament to our commitment in producing clean, safe, affordable and reliable nuclear energy."

Southern Nuclear's two award winning programs include:

Boiling Water Reactor Vessel and Internals Program
Project: Enhanced ultrasonic examination for atypical core shroud indications
Team: Denver Atwood, Gary Lofthus, DeLisa Pournaras, Tim Wells and Kevin White

Risk and Safety Management Program
Project: Risk-informed categorization and treatment of structures, systems and components
Team: Vish Patel, Ken McElroy, Owen Scott, Matthew Ralstin, Jeff Mulvehill, John Linn, Conrad Wysor, Michael Peterson, Damian Fantroy and Patricia Warren

EPRI conducts research, development and demonstration relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. For more information, visit www.epri.com.

About Southern Nuclear:

Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is one of the nation's leading nuclear energy facility operators. Producing safe, reliable and environmentally friendly nuclear energy, Southern Nuclear operates a total of six units for Alabama Power and Georgia Power at the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant near Dothan, Ala.; the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Plant near Baxley, Ga., and the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant near Waynesboro, Ga. Southern Nuclear is the licensee of two new nuclear units currently under construction at Plant Vogtle, which will be the first nuclear units constructed in the United States in more than 30 years. Southern Nuclear employs more than 3,500 skilled and dedicated professionals who are committed each day to nuclear and personal safety and the health and safety of the public. The company's headquarters is based in Birmingham, Ala.
Twitter: @SouthernNuclear; Facebook: facebook.com/southernnuclear;
www.southerncompany.com/southernnuclear

About Southern Company:

With more than 4.5 million customers and approximately 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is the premier energy company serving the Southeast through its subsidiaries. A leading U.S. producer of clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a 2014 Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company earned the 2014 National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development, and is continually ranked among the top utilities in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com

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SOURCE Southern Nuclear