The National Atomic Museum Foundation has named Southern Company the recipient of the 2014 National Award of Nuclear Science and History in recognition of the company's leadership in and commitment to new nuclear development. The award was presented at the Einstein Society Gala in Albuquerque, N.M. Southern Company subsidiary Southern Nuclear's Chairman, President and CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski accepted the award.

"Nuclear power offers zero emissions, long-term economics, innovations in safety and proven reliability," said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning. "We are honored to be recognized for leading the way in this dominant solution for America's energy future."

As part of this commitment, Southern Company, through subsidiary Georgia Power, is building two of the first new nuclear units in a generation of Americans with the construction of Plant Vogtle units 3 and 4 in Georgia. The Vogtle project is the largest job-producing project in Georgia, employing approximately 5,000 people during peak construction, and will result in 800 permanent jobs when the plant begins operating.

Southern Nuclear is overseeing the construction and will operate the 1,100-megawatt units for Georgia Power and co-owners Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia and Dalton Utilities. Southern Nuclear currently operates Plant Vogtle's two existing nuclear power units, as well as Georgia Power's Plant Hatch and Alabama Power's Plant Farley. These facilities provide 20 percent of the electricity used in Alabama and Georgia.