Connection

popular articles

Berlin rules out any restart of Nord Stream 2 pipeline despite Russian speculation
KHNP and Samsung C&T Form Strategic Alliance for International Nuclear Projects
Engie and Macquarie join forces to extend Mexico’s Mayakan gas pipeline
Nuclear Fusion: First Plasma Generation in the SMART Tokamak
Explosion on a Russian Oil Tanker in Ust-Luga: No Victims or Leaks Reported

Duke Energy seeks to extend operating licence for Robinson nuclear plant to 2050

Duke Energy has submitted a request to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend the operation of its Robinson plant by 20 years, supporting energy stability in the Carolinas.
  • [favorite_button]

Please share:

Duke Energy Corporation has announced it has filed a licence renewal application with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the Robinson Nuclear Plant, located near Hartsville, South Carolina. The application seeks to extend the plant’s operating authorisation by an additional 20 years, through to 2050. Having entered commercial service in 1971, the facility previously received a first extension in 2004, allowing operations until 2030.

A cornerstone of regional electricity supply

The Robinson Nuclear Plant is a critical infrastructure asset for electricity provision in North Carolina and South Carolina. According to Duke Energy, nuclear generation accounts for more than 50% of electricity consumed by its customers in these two states. With an estimated output capacity of 759 megawatts, Robinson remains one of the most productive units in the company’s nuclear fleet.

Investment and infrastructure modernisation

The company stated it has invested approximately $1.7bn in safety and efficiency upgrades to prepare the facility for extended operation. Laura Basta, Site Vice President at Robinson, noted that while historically the first commercial plant to operate in the southeastern US, the site is now equipped with updated systems meeting current nuclear industry standards.

Economic and fiscal contributions to the region

The plant also plays a regional economic role by providing skilled employment and contributing to local tax revenues. Extending its operation would enable these benefits to continue long-term. The facility additionally benefits from federal nuclear production tax credits, which are designed to incentivise efficient operation of existing infrastructure.

A fleet-wide renewal strategy

Duke Energy’s initiative forms part of a broader plan to extend the operational lifespan of all eleven of its active nuclear reactors. The company recently secured a licence extension for its Oconee plant, also located in South Carolina. Each renewal requires comprehensive regulatory review to ensure the safe continued operation of the nuclear sites.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

Siemens and RIC Energy join forces to develop synthetic fuels in Spain
Verdagy and Mainspring to install hydrogen-powered generator in Moss Landing
Solveo Energies deploys dynamic agrivoltaic system on apricot orchard
European Energy launches e-methanol production and posts strong results
Grenergy to invest €3.5bn to strengthen its storage assets by 2027

Recently published in

EDF invests in a nuclear plant at Cordemais after coal phase-out

EDF plans a new nuclear pipework factory at Cordemais by 2028, confirming the end of coal-fired power in France and the site's industrial conversion.
Uranium Royalty acquires royalty on uranium project in Nunavut
Uranium Royalty Corp. invests CAD1mn ($730,000) in a 2% royalty on Forum Energy Metals’ Aberdeen project, located near one of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits.
en_1140290945540-15
Uranium Royalty acquires royalty on uranium project in Nunavut
Uranium Royalty Corp. invests CAD1mn ($730,000) in a 2% royalty on Forum Energy Metals’ Aberdeen project, located near one of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits.
en_1140290945540-15
NexGen Announces Record Uranium Discovery at Patterson Corridor East
NexGen Energy unveils exceptional assay results at the Patterson Corridor East site, with uranium intercepts among the highest concentrations globally, highlighting the growing economic relevance of this strategic area for the nuclear industry.
en_1140290946540-15
NexGen Announces Record Uranium Discovery at Patterson Corridor East
NexGen Energy unveils exceptional assay results at the Patterson Corridor East site, with uranium intercepts among the highest concentrations globally, highlighting the growing economic relevance of this strategic area for the nuclear industry.
en_1140290946540-15
Nano Nuclear raises $105mn in private placement to strengthen cash position
Nano Nuclear Energy announced a $105mn fundraising from institutional investors, bringing its total cash position above $200mn to accelerate its small-scale nuclear reactor projects.
en_1140290947540-15
Nano Nuclear raises $105mn in private placement to strengthen cash position
Nano Nuclear Energy announced a $105mn fundraising from institutional investors, bringing its total cash position above $200mn to accelerate its small-scale nuclear reactor projects.
en_1140290947540-15

South Korea Strongly Challenges Czech Nuclear Contract Suspension with KHNP

The suspension of the nuclear contract between KHNP and the Czech Republic has triggered intense reactions in South Korea, where the company and authorities express dissatisfaction with European legal and regulatory obstacles.
Indonesia Bets on 10 GW Nuclear to Transform its Energy Mix
Facing growing energy demands, Indonesia has announced an ambitious nuclear program targeting 10 GW capacity by 2040, attracting interest from global industry giants to support this strategic shift towards a low-carbon economy.
en_1140290957540-14
Indonesia Bets on 10 GW Nuclear to Transform its Energy Mix
Facing growing energy demands, Indonesia has announced an ambitious nuclear program targeting 10 GW capacity by 2040, attracting interest from global industry giants to support this strategic shift towards a low-carbon economy.
en_1140290957540-14
Washington approves launch of uranium and vanadium mine in Utah
The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the Velvet-Wood site, the first mining project to benefit from an expedited environmental procedure aimed at strengthening national mineral security.
en_1140290945540-13
Washington approves launch of uranium and vanadium mine in Utah
The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the Velvet-Wood site, the first mining project to benefit from an expedited environmental procedure aimed at strengthening national mineral security.
en_1140290945540-13
Argentina targets nuclear revival with Ivana uranium mine in three years
Blue Sky Uranium’s Ivana mining project in Argentina could begin production within three years, backed by an initial $35mn investment and an annual output capacity of 1.5 million pounds of uranium.
en_1140290960540-11
Argentina targets nuclear revival with Ivana uranium mine in three years
Blue Sky Uranium’s Ivana mining project in Argentina could begin production within three years, backed by an initial $35mn investment and an annual output capacity of 1.5 million pounds of uranium.
en_1140290960540-11

European Nuclear: Germany Opens Up to France’s Energy Choices

The German government expresses openness toward French nuclear energy, promising a technologically neutral approach despite internal divisions over recognizing nuclear as a sustainable energy within the European Union.
Trump Signs Four Major Executive Orders to Quadruple U.S. Nuclear Production
Donald Trump announces four executive orders to quadruple U.S. nuclear energy production within 25 years, radically accelerate regulatory approvals, secure enriched uranium supplies, and address the surging energy demands linked to artificial intelligence.
en_1140290943540-12
Trump Signs Four Major Executive Orders to Quadruple U.S. Nuclear Production
Donald Trump announces four executive orders to quadruple U.S. nuclear energy production within 25 years, radically accelerate regulatory approvals, secure enriched uranium supplies, and address the surging energy demands linked to artificial intelligence.
en_1140290943540-12
TVA files first construction permit for BWRX-300 SMR in the United States
Tennessee Valley Authority becomes the first US public utility to apply for a permit to build a BWRX-300 small modular reactor, with site works anticipated as early as 2026 at Clinch River.
en_1140290950540-11
TVA files first construction permit for BWRX-300 SMR in the United States
Tennessee Valley Authority becomes the first US public utility to apply for a permit to build a BWRX-300 small modular reactor, with site works anticipated as early as 2026 at Clinch River.
en_1140290950540-11
India approves siting of four new nuclear reactors in Rajasthan
India’s nuclear regulator has approved the siting of the Mahi Banswara project, which includes four 700 MWe PHWR reactors, reinforcing the country’s strategy of fleet-based deployment.
TEMPLATE-ENERGYNEWS134
India approves siting of four new nuclear reactors in Rajasthan
India’s nuclear regulator has approved the siting of the Mahi Banswara project, which includes four 700 MWe PHWR reactors, reinforcing the country’s strategy of fleet-based deployment.
TEMPLATE-ENERGYNEWS134

Macron in Vietnam: France faces Russian-American nuclear agreements

Emmanuel Macron is visiting Vietnam as the country expands its nuclear partnerships, signing today an agreement with the American company Westinghouse, following recent cooperation with Russia, intensifying competition in this strategic market.
Westinghouse strengthens Bulgarian supply chain for Kozloduy
Westinghouse has signed seven new agreements with Bulgarian suppliers to support the construction of two AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, further expanding its local industrial footprint.
en_1140290973540-3
Westinghouse strengthens Bulgarian supply chain for Kozloduy
Westinghouse has signed seven new agreements with Bulgarian suppliers to support the construction of two AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, further expanding its local industrial footprint.
en_1140290973540-3
Taiwan shuts down its last nuclear reactor, ending atomic energy programme
The Maanshan 2 reactor has been permanently disconnected from the grid, marking the end of nuclear operations in Taiwan in line with the national phase-out legislation.
en_1140290974540-3
Taiwan shuts down its last nuclear reactor, ending atomic energy programme
The Maanshan 2 reactor has been permanently disconnected from the grid, marking the end of nuclear operations in Taiwan in line with the national phase-out legislation.
en_1140290974540-3
Orano faces interest from buyers for its uranium mines in Niger
Several parties are positioning to acquire French company Orano’s mining sites in Niger, while the firm pursues international arbitration to protect its assets and nearly €250mn in blocked uranium concentrate.
en_1140291002540
Orano faces interest from buyers for its uranium mines in Niger
Several parties are positioning to acquire French company Orano’s mining sites in Niger, while the firm pursues international arbitration to protect its assets and nearly €250mn in blocked uranium concentrate.
en_1140291002540

Enel launches Nuclitalia to invest in small nuclear reactors in Italy

Energy group Enel partners with Ansaldo and Leonardo to form Nuclitalia, a joint venture focused on developing small modular reactor technologies as Italy considers a return to civilian nuclear power.
SpaceNukes to develop next-generation space reactor with University of Michigan
US-based Space Nuclear Power Corporation has been selected to design a fission reactor for nuclear electric propulsion in future military and civilian spacecraft.
en_1140290951540-8
SpaceNukes to develop next-generation space reactor with University of Michigan
US-based Space Nuclear Power Corporation has been selected to design a fission reactor for nuclear electric propulsion in future military and civilian spacecraft.
en_1140290951540-8
42% growth in small modular reactor pipeline driven by data centre demand
The small modular reactor (SMR) pipeline increased by 42% in Q1 2025, reaching 47 GW, driven by the growing demand from data centres, according to a report from Wood Mackenzie.
en_1140290959540-7
42% growth in small modular reactor pipeline driven by data centre demand
The small modular reactor (SMR) pipeline increased by 42% in Q1 2025, reaching 47 GW, driven by the growing demand from data centres, according to a report from Wood Mackenzie.
en_1140290959540-7
EDF and Siparex launch second €300 million fund to support the nuclear sector
EDF and Siparex are mobilising a new €300 million investment fund to strengthen strategic companies in the nuclear supply chain amid industrial revival driven by the EPR2 reactor programme.
en_1140290956540-7
EDF and Siparex launch second €300 million fund to support the nuclear sector
EDF and Siparex are mobilising a new €300 million investment fund to strengthen strategic companies in the nuclear supply chain amid industrial revival driven by the EPR2 reactor programme.
en_1140290956540-7

Hanoi and Moscow accelerate nuclear power plant talks in Vietnam

Russia and Vietnam have signed a nuclear roadmap aimed at strengthening technological cooperation, including a commercial nuclear plant and a scientific centre by 2030.
Cigéo project cost could reach €37.5bn according to Andra
The French National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management has revised upward its evaluation of the Cigéo underground storage project, with a maximum potential cost of €37.5bn ($40.4bn) over 150 years.
en_1140290956540-6
Cigéo project cost could reach €37.5bn according to Andra
The French National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management has revised upward its evaluation of the Cigéo underground storage project, with a maximum potential cost of €37.5bn ($40.4bn) over 150 years.
en_1140290956540-6
Brussels blocks KHNP nuclear contract in Czechia amid rising tensions
The European Commission has requested Prague to suspend the award of a CZK200bn contract to KHNP, citing suspicions of state aid that may breach European law.
en_1140290954540-5
Brussels blocks KHNP nuclear contract in Czechia amid rising tensions
The European Commission has requested Prague to suspend the award of a CZK200bn contract to KHNP, citing suspicions of state aid that may breach European law.
en_1140290954540-5
KHNP’s nuclear contract in Czech Republic suspended after legal action by EDF
Czech justice has suspended the signing of a major contract between Prague and South Korea’s KHNP, following a complaint by French group EDF challenging the fairness of the Dukovany nuclear project tender.
en_1140290959540-2
KHNP’s nuclear contract in Czech Republic suspended after legal action by EDF
Czech justice has suspended the signing of a major contract between Prague and South Korea’s KHNP, following a complaint by French group EDF challenging the fairness of the Dukovany nuclear project tender.
en_1140290959540-2

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS