Duke Energy Ohio Executive Vice President, Customer Experience, Harry K. Sideris | Duke Energy Ohio
Duke Energy Ohio Executive Vice President, Customer Experience, Harry K. Sideris | Duke Energy Ohio
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a 20-year extension of the operating licenses for Duke Energy's Oconee Nuclear Station. This move will allow the facility, located in Seneca, South Carolina, to operate through 2053 and 2054. It supports Duke Energy's strategy of ensuring a cleaner energy future while maintaining reliability and affordability for its customers amidst growing regional electricity demand.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster commented on the extension, saying, "Affordable and reliable energy is the key to South Carolina's continued economic prosperity, and nuclear power must play a key role as we work to shape our energy future." Similarly, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham expressed satisfaction with the NRC's decision, stating, "This is very good news for Duke Energy customers. The renewal of the nuclear licenses at Oconee will ensure reliable, non-emitting nuclear power continues to be supplied throughout our state."
Duke Energy Chief Nuclear Officer Kelvin Henderson acknowledged the significance of the NRC's approval: “Approval to extend Oconee Nuclear Station’s licenses is a significant milestone for Duke Energy and provides significant learnings to use in completing license applications for our other plants.”
Oconee is the first among Duke Energy’s nuclear facilities to secure an extension for an 80-year operational capacity. Duke Energy plans to apply for a license renewal for the Robinson Nuclear Plant in Hartsville, South Carolina, later this year.
Duke Energy has heavily invested in maintaining and upgrading its nuclear facilities, including replacing reactors, steam generators, and other vital components at Oconee, to ensure safe operations through the mid-century. In 2024, the company increased Oconee's capacity by adding 45 megawatts through power uprate improvement projects on all three of its units.
Throughout 2024, nuclear energy provided over 50% of the electricity for Duke Energy’s Carolinas customers and accounted for more than 96% of its clean energy supply. The federal nuclear production tax credit aids existing plants like Oconee in operating as cost-effectively as possible.
###
Alerts Sign-up