Outlook on new nuclear
Following the tragic events of 2011 after the earthquake and devastating tsunami off the coast of Japan, the U.S. nuclear industry, including Duke Energy, undertook immediate actions to re-verify the safety capabilities of every nuclear power plant. Today, we continue to act on longer-term recommendations to further protect the public, plant workers and the environment.
To meet our customers’ future energy needs, Duke Energy is pursuing the option to add new nuclear generation to our fleet in the future. In addition to serving as a cost-effective baseload energy source, nuclear energy is also our country’s largest source of carbon-free electricity, producing no greenhouse gases.
We have applied for a combined construction and operating license (COL) from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the proposed Lee Nuclear Station in Cherokee County, S.C. The COL is for two Westinghouse AP1000® reactors — one of the world’s safest and most economical nuclear power technologies. Project development activities are under way, and we anticipate receiving the COL in the 2013 time frame.
Duke Energy is also considering the purchase of a minority interest in Santee Cooper’s 45 percent ownership of two new nuclear reactors at V.C. Summer Nuclear Generating Station in Jenkinsville, S.C. In July 2011, Duke Energy signed a letter of intent with Santee Cooper to explore a potential 5 to 10 percent interest in the new units.
