Extended life for Oconee Nuclear and other such plants

Duke Energy will seek to renew the operating licenses for 11 reactors that run in six nuclear stations in the Carolinas for an additional 20 years. Oconee Nuclear is to remain part of Duke’s future, as the company says it expects to submit the license renewal application for Oconee Nuclear Station in 2021, followed by its other nuclear stations. Oconee is the company’s largest nuclear station, with three generating units that produce more than 2,500 megawatts “Our nuclear power plants have safely and reliably provided electricity to our Carolinas customers for decades,” said Preston Gillespie, Duke Energy’s chief nuclear officer. “These plants generate clean and cost-effective power, provide thousands of well-paying jobs, and produce substantial economic benefits for the Carolinas. Renewing the licenses of these plants is important for our customers, communities and environment.” The first Duke Energy nuclear power plants will approach the end of their current operating licenses in the early 2030s. According to Duke, the nuclear fleet plays an important role in the company’s efforts to lower carbon emissions. The company has set aggressive carbon reduction goals of at least 50% by 2030 and net-zero by 2050, and keeping its nuclear fleet operating is key to achieving these goals. In 2018, the company also paid more than $300 million in property and payroll taxes associated with the nuclear stations, benefiting local governments and school districts. In Oconee’s case, the county auditor projects Duke’s property tax bill for 2019 will approximate $33 million. Nuclear employees also support the communities where they live and work by donating time and funds through sponsorships and volunteer activities. U.S. nuclear facilities are licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and were originally licensed to operate for 40 years based on economic considerations, not technology limitations. Regulations allow nuclear licensees to renew their licenses for up to 20 years at a time. All Duke Energy-operated nuclear units have received one renewed license for an additional 20 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. The review process begins with an acceptance review of the application once received, with a goal to complete the subsequent license renewal application review within 18 months of docketing.

Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet

Station Location Capacity
Brunswick Southport, N.C. – Brunswick County 1,870 MW
Catawba * York, S.C. – York County 2,310 MW
Harris New Hill, N.C. – Wake County 964 MW
McGuire Huntersville, N.C. – Mecklenburg County 2,316 MW
Oconee Seneca, S.C. – Oconee County 2,554 MW
Robinson Hartsville, S.C. – Darlington County 741 MW

* Catawba is jointly owned by North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number One, North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation, Piedmont Municipal Power Agency and Duke Energy