The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved an extension of the operating licenses for Oconee Nuclear Station, a key facility operated by Duke Energy in Seneca, South Carolina. The extension allows Oconee to operate until 2053 and 2054, contributing to the company's strategy for delivering cleaner energy while maintaining reliability and affordability amid growing electricity demand.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster expressed support for the license extension, stating, "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." He emphasized the significance of this extension in keeping pace with the state's rapid development.
Oconee has become the first of Duke Energy's nuclear facilities to secure an 80-year license. Duke Energy is pursuing license renewals for its other nuclear units, with a submission for the Robinson Nuclear Plant in Hartsville, South Carolina, planned for April.
To ensure continued safe and reliable operations, Duke Energy invests significantly in the maintenance and upgrades of its nuclear facilities. At Oconee, the company has undertaken extensive improvements, including power uprate projects adding 45 megawatts across its three units in 2024.
Duke Energy's nuclear plants are a vital component of their electricity generation, providing more than half of the electricity to Carolinas customers in 2024, and accounting for over 96% of the company's clean energy output. The company highlights the economic and job benefits these facilities bring to local communities and the efficiency encouraged by federal nuclear production tax credits. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham hailed the license renewal as excellent news for customers, recognizing Oconee's role as a safe, efficient employer in Upstate South Carolina.
Kelvin Henderson, Duke Energy's Chief Nuclear Officer, remarked on the extension, stating, "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."
The NRC's renewal process, which allows for up to 80 years of operation, involves a comprehensive analysis to ensure long-term safety. All Duke Energy nuclear plants have already received an initial renewal for 60-year operations, aiming now for further extensions.
Duke Energy, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States, serving approximately 8.4 million customers across several states and managing significant energy capacity. The company continues to advance its energy transition goals with investments in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources.
For more on this topic, visit Duke Energy’s subsequent license renewal webpage or the Duke Energy News Center.