A second, 20-years to be sought this year for Oconee Nuclear

COVID or no COVID, Duke Energy remains committed this year to filing an official application to extend the operating license of its Oconee Nuclear Station for a second, 20-year extension.  A spokeswoman for the company said yesterday, “Duke Energy plans to submit Oconee Nuclear Station’s subsequent license renewal application in 2021, and COVID-19 has not impacted the schedule.”  Duke’s current license allows the three Oconee reactors to run until the early 2030s.  Oconee’s is Duke’s largest nuclear plant, and its application to the federal government is scheduled to be followed by similar operating extension applications for other Duke reactors across the Carolinas.  U-S nuclear facilities are licensed by the NRC—the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.  Originally, they were licensed to operate for 40 years.  The process to renew licenses for a second, 20 years requires a comprehensive analysis and evaluation to ensure the units can safely operate for the extended operation period.