Duke Energy has submitted an early site permit (ESP) application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a location near the Belews Creek Steam Station in Stokes County, North Carolina. This marks the first time Duke Energy has pursued an ESP, which is intended to address environmental and site safety issues at the beginning of a potential nuclear project.
The company stated that securing an ESP is part of its broader strategy to evaluate new nuclear generation options. The permit process allows Duke Energy to determine if the site is suitable for future nuclear development and helps reduce potential delays during licensing and construction should the company decide to proceed with building new units.
“Nuclear energy has and will continue to play an essential role in powering communities in the Carolinas,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “Submitting an early site permit application is an important next step in assessing the potential for small modular reactors at the Belews Creek site.”
The ESP application does not commit Duke Energy to a specific reactor technology. Instead, it includes six possible designs: four small modular reactor types and two non-light-water reactor designs. The application does not include large light-water reactors like those currently operated by Duke Energy in the Carolinas.
“We’re taking a strategic approach to new nuclear development that allows us to advance licensing activities while reducing risks and allowing technologies to mature,” said Duke Energy Chief Nuclear Officer Kelvin Henderson.
Duke Energy has not yet decided whether it will build new nuclear units at this location. However, if further analysis supports small modular reactor technology as the best option for customers, the company anticipates adding 600 megawatts of advanced nuclear capacity by 2037, with initial operations targeted for 2036.
Additional information about Duke Energy’s plans in Stokes County can be found on their Belews Creek site webpage at duke-energy.com/stokes.
Duke Energy serves electric utility customers across several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company is working on modernizing its grid infrastructure and expanding cleaner energy sources such as natural gas, renewables, energy storage, and nuclear power.
More details about Duke Energy are available on its website and social media channels.
