CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 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."
Critical component in reducing carbon emissions
The Duke Energy nuclear fleet plays an important role in
lowering the company's and nation's carbon emissions. In 2020,
operation of the nuclear fleet avoided the release of nearly 50
million tons of carbon dioxide (if that same generation was
produced with coal, oil and natural gas) and provided 83% of
the company's carbon-free generation. The company has set
aggressive carbon reduction goals of at least 50% by 2030 and
net-zero by 2050 from electricity generation, and keeping its
nuclear fleet operating is key to achieving these goals.
Technology upgrades
Just as home and business owners maintain their investments
through improvements and regular maintenance, Duke Energy
continuously implements new technology and other upgrades at its
nuclear plants. These include replacing and/or upgrading turbines,
steam generators, motors, control systems, pumps and more.
Significant economic benefits
Nuclear power plants create more jobs than any other type of
energy generation facility. Duke Energy employs nearly 5,000
workers in its nuclear group, with additional contract workers
supporting refueling outages and major project work. In addition,
nuclear employees support the communities where they live and work
by donating time and expertise through volunteer partnerships.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in
Charlotte, N.C., is one of
America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities
serve 7.9 million customers in North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Florida, Indiana, Ohio
and Kentucky, and collectively own
51,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves
1.6 million customers in North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,500
people.
Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy strategy to
create a smarter energy future for its customers and communities –
with goals of at least a 50% carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero
carbon emissions by 2050. The company is a top U.S. renewable
energy provider, on track to operate or purchase 16,000 megawatts
of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The company also is investing
in major electric grid upgrades and expanded battery storage, and
exploring zero-emitting power generation technologies such as
hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2021 "World's Most Admired
Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More
information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.
The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact
sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke
Energy's illumination features stories about people,
innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke
Energy
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Forward-looking information
This document includes forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking
statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and
can often be identified by terms and phrases that include
"anticipate," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "expect,"
"continue," "should," "could," "may," "plan," "project," "predict,"
"will," "potential," "forecast," "target," "guidance," "outlook" or
other similar terminology. Various factors may cause actual results
to be materially different than the suggested outcomes within
forward-looking statements; accordingly, there is no assurance that
such results will be realized. For details on the uncertainties
that may cause our actual future results to be materially different
than those expressed in our forward-looking statements, see our
2020 Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the
SEC and available at the SEC's website at sec.gov. In light of
these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in
the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a
different extent or at a different time than described.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.
Duke Energy expressly disclaims an obligation to publicly update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events, or otherwise.
Contact: Rita Sipe
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
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SOURCE Duke Energy