Duke Energy will seek to renew nuclear plant licenses in the Carolinas

Duke Energy announced Thursday that it would seek to renew the operating licenses for the 11 reactors it operates at six nuclear stations in the Carolinas for an additional 20 years.

“Our nuclear power plants have safely and reliably provided electricity to our Carolinas customers for decades,” Preston Gillespie, Duke Energy’s chief nuclear officer, said. “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 of Duke Energy’s nuclear power plants will reach the end of their current operating licenses in the early 2030s. The company plans to submit the license renewal application for Oconee Nuclear Station, the company’s largest nuclear station, in 2021, followed by its other nuclear stations.

In 2018, Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet generated more than 72 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and avoided the release of about 54 million tons of carbon dioxide, the company said. Duke Energy noted that keeping its nuclear fleet in operation is key to achieving its carbon reduction goals of at least 50 percent by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.