• "Oconee is Duke Energy’s largest nuclear station, with three generating units that produce more than 2,500 megawatts of carbon-free electricity.

• Company intends to renew the operating licenses of all 11 reactors it operates for an additional 20 years to support its carbon reduction goals.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy has filed an application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to renew Oconee Nuclear Station’s operating licenses for an additional 20 years.

Oconee, located on Lake Keowee in Seneca, S.C., is Duke Energy’s largest nuclear station, with three generating units that produce more than 2,500 megawatts of carbon-free electricity. Oconee’s operating licenses remain current through the early 2030s; the subsequent, or second, license renewal would extend the operating licenses to 2053 and 2054. 

'Oconee Nuclear Station has provided safe, reliable, carbon-free energy to customers and our communities for nearly 50 years,' said Oconee Nuclear Station Site Vice President Steve Snider. 'Renewing these operating licenses is a significant step toward achieving Duke Energy’s aggressive carbon reduction goals, which cannot be achieved without nuclear power.'

This is the first Duke Energy nuclear station application submitted to the NRC for subsequent license renewal; the company announced in 2019 it will seek to renew the operating licenses of the 11 reactors it operates at six sites for an additional 20 years.

'A diverse, increasingly carbon-free energy mix is important for customers. And, nuclear energy is a proven part of that mix having provided our Carolinas customers with clean, safe and reliable electricity for decades,' said Kelvin Henderson, Duke Energy chief nuclear officer. 'Our nuclear stations remain economic drivers for their communities, providing thousands of well-paying jobs, significant tax revenues, partnership opportunities and other benefits.'"