The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has renewed the operating license for Duke Energy's Robinson Nuclear Plant for an additional 20 years, extending the plant's ability to deliver energy until 2050.
Robinson, located in Hartsville, South Carolina, provides enough energy to power 570,000 homes and plays an important role in protecting reliability and affordability for customers as regional electricity demand continues to grow, Duke Energy officials say.
Duke Energy's nuclear fleet provides about 51 percent of customers' energy needs in the Carolinas, making nuclear energy an essential component of the company's diverse generation portfolio.
Duke Energy officials say license renewal extends the use of cost-effective generation, resulting in significant savings for customers over time. The officials also say extended operation sustains significant economic benefits for Darlington County and the broader Pee Dee region.
Robinson by the numbers
Delivers 759 megawatts (MW) of electricity, powering nearly 570,000 homes.
Nearly 500 high-paying jobs supported.
$1.7 billion in equipment upgrades completed.
Approximately $28 million in annual local tax contributions.
U.S. nuclear facilities are licensed by the NRC. The process to renew a license requires a comprehensive analysis and evaluation to ensure the plant can safely be operated for the period of extended operation.
Robinson's original 40-year operating license was granted by the NRC in 1970, making it one of the first commercial nuclear power plants in the Southeast. Robinson's initial license was renewed for an additional 20 years of operation until 2030, and the subsequent license renewal allows for continued operations until 2050.
Robinson is the second Duke Energy nuclear facility to receive approval for subsequent license renewal, following Oconee Nuclear Station in 2025. Duke Energy plans to seek subsequent license renewal for all 11 operating units across its nuclear fleet.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity.
Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.
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