NRC issues final EIS for Oconee's subsequent license renewal

February 10, 2025, 7:45AMNuclear News
Oconee nuclear power plant. (Photo: Duke Energy)

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has published its final environmental impact statement for the proposed subsequent license renewal (SLR) for Oconee nuclear power plant's Units 1, 2, and 3.

The EIS examines the environmental report, as supplemented, submitted by Duke Energy Carolinas as part of its SLR application. NRC staff concluded there are no adverse environmental impacts to preclude the renewal of Oconee’s operating licenses for an additional 20 years.

Background: Duke Energy is seeking a second, or subsequent, licensing term to extend the plant’s operations from 60 to 80 years. The licenses for the Oconee reactors, located 30 miles west of Greenville, S.C., currently will expire on February 6, 2033, for Unit 1; October 6, 2033, for Unit 2; and July 19, 2034, for Unit 3.

History: NRC staff issued its safety evaluation report for Oconee’s SLR in December 2022. The agency will consider the safety and environmental reports in making a final decision on extending the licenses from 60 to 80 years. Information about the Oconee SLR review is available on the NRC website.


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