Oconee nuclear power plant near Seneca in South Carolina

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has published its final environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed second licence renewal for units 1-3 of the Oconee Nuclear Station. The EIS examines the environmental report, as supplemented, submitted by Duke Energy Carolinas as part of its subsequent licence renewal application. NRC staff concluded that there are no adverse environmental impacts to preclude the renewal of Oconee’s operating licences for an additional 20 years.

Duke Energy is seeking a second, or subsequent, licensing term to extend the plant’s operations from 60 to 80 years. The current licences for the Oconee reactors in South Carolina will expire in February 2033 for unit 1, October 2033 for unit 2; and July 2034, for unit 3.

NRC staff issued its Safety Evaluation Report for Oconee’s subsequent licence renewal in December 2022. The agency will consider the safety and environmental reports in making a final decision on extending the Oconee licences from 60 to 80 years.

The Oconee Nuclear Station has a power output capacity of over 2,500 New from three Babcock & Wilcox pressurised water reactors. It is the only US NPP that does not use emergency diesel generators. Instead, it relies on two hydroelectric units at the nearby Keowee hydroelectric station. If both Keowee units are out of service, emergency power can alternatively be provided by combustion turbines at the nearby Lee fossil generating station.