As Duke Energy’s largest carbon-free energy resource, operating an efficient nuclear fleet is critical to customers and the environment.
Duke Energy’s 11 nuclear generating units posted a strong operating performance in 2017, providing North Carolina and South Carolina with nearly 90 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity – more than 50 percent of the electricity generation in those two states and about one-third of the company’s entire generation output.
Nuclear generation avoided the release of 82 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2017 – as much as is released from more than 17 million passenger vehicles during a year.
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The company is currently evaluating the possibility of seeking additional license extensions from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its currently operating nuclear plants. This would allow the generating units to operate up to 80 years if it makes economic sense and provides benefits to customers.
As for building new nuclear plants, Duke Energy notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that it does not intend to build previously planned units in Levy County, Florida. Duke Energy maintains its licenses for two new nuclear units near Gaffney, S.C., as an option for future generation.