Duke Oconee nuclear plant licensed to run into 2050s

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the license renewal for Duke Energy’s Oconee Nuclear Station that will extend its operations for up to an additional 20 years.

Oconee, located near Seneca, S.C., is Duke Energy’s largest nuclear plant with a generating capacity of 2,554 megawatts. It has three units, Unit 1 commissioned in 1973 and Unit 2 and Unit 3 were commissioned in 1974.

All three are being renewed to operate until 2053 and 2054.

Oconee’s original license ran from 1973-74 to 2013-14. The company’s first license renewal pushed its operating licenses to 2033-34. Duke Energy submitted its second license renewal application in June 2021.

In NRC’s Monday press release, the commission said the review of Duke Energy’s renewal application included: a safety evaluation issued in December 2022 and a final environmental impact statement in February 2025.

Oconee becomes Duke Energy’s first nuclear facility to receive authorization to potentially operate for 80 years, according to the company’s Monday press release.

Duke also intends to submit a license renewal application for its Robinson Nuclear Plant, located in Hartsville, S.C., this month.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) said in the Duke Energy press release that the license renewal of the Oconee Nuclear Station is a “critical step” in helping the state’s energy production keep pace with electricity demand.