Duke Energy has recently been granted a 20-year renewal of the license for its Oconee nuclear power plant in South Carolina. This decision comes after a long period of inactivity in the U.S. nuclear industry, which has seen stagnation and a lack of new projects. The approval was made possible by increased energy demand, particularly from data centers, and a growing preference for cleaner energy sources. Oconee’s license will now extend through 2053 and 2054, with the original renewal set to expire in 2034.

Electric power transmission pylon miniatures and Duke Energy logo are seen in this illustration taken, December 9, 2022.

Duke Energy’s Oconee plant is the first among its nuclear facilities to receive approval for operation for 80 years. All of its nuclear plants have received initial license renewals for up to 60 years, with subsequent renewals allowing for an additional 20 years of operation. The company is also planning to submit a renewal application for its Robinson nuclear plant in Hartsville, South Carolina, further solidifying its commitment to nuclear energy.