Duke Energy has submitted a subsequent licence renewal application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the Robinson nuclear plant, located near Hartsville in the state of South Carolina.
The application seeks to extend the plant’s operations for an additional 20 years, ensuring the continuation of its role in providing secure and reliable electricity to Duke Energy’s customers.
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The Robinson nuclear plant began commercial operations in 1971 and has been a cornerstone of Duke Energy’s commitment to meeting the growing energy needs of communities in the Carolinas.
Duke Energy senior vice-president and chief nuclear officer Kelvin Henderson stated: “Renewing Robinson’s operating licence for a second time is a critical step in our commitment to providing reliable, always-on, cost-competitive power for our customers.
“This extension will allow us to continue supporting our company’s energy transformation and contributing to the local economy for decades to come.”
The plant’s continued operation is vital for keeping energy costs low while supplying more than half of the electricity consumed by Duke Energy’s Carolinas customers.
Robinson nuclear plant site vice-president Laura Basta stated: “Though the first nuclear plant to enter commercial operation in the southeast, Robinson is a modernised plant fully prepared for operations into midcentury.
“We’ve invested approximately $1.7bn into capital upgrades to our facility to enhance safety and efficiency.”
In 2004, Robinson’s licence was renewed for an additional 20 years, extending operations until 2030.
The subsequent licence renewal allows operations to continue until 2050.
The plant generates 759MW of carbon-free electricity, significantly contributing to Duke Energy’s diverse energy mix.
The plant also plays a significant role in the local economy by offering well-paying jobs and contributing to the tax base.
The plant’s licence renewal will ensure the continuation of these benefits for the surrounding communities.
The federal nuclear production tax credit incentivises existing plants to operate cost-efficiently, further lowering the cost of nuclear energy for customers.
US nuclear facilities are licensed by the NRC and were originally licensed to operate for 40 years, based on economic considerations, not technological limitations.
The process to renew a licence requires a comprehensive analysis and evaluation to ensure the plant can be safely operated for the extended period.
The NRC also recently approved the subsequent renewal of Duke Energy’s three-unit Oconee nuclear station in Seneca, South Carolina, allowing the plant to operate through to 2053/54.
The company intends to request subsequent licence renewals for all 11 operating reactors in its nuclear fleet.
Oconee is the first of the company’s nuclear facilities to achieve this milestone, enabling it to operate for a total of 80 years.
