Duke Energy’s Oconee Nuclear Power Plant just secured a life extension.
It will now operate for 80 years.
Duke Energy’s Oconee Nuclear Station is now one of just 12 reactors in the U.S. with an 80-year license.
The units first connected in 1973 and are now licensed through 2053-54.
They deliver over 2,500 MWe of clean energy.
With the rise in demand from data centers and AI, this is exactly what we need.
Duke Energy is using Oconee as a model for its other plants.
All units are aiming for the 60-year mark.
Now, 80 is the new target.
This raises an important idea.
If 80 years is viable, we should start preparing for a 100-year operating life.
Smart investments in upgrades can make this possible.
The future of nuclear energy is bright.
Embrace it. Invest in it. Make it last. Make it happen.
What do you think? Is a century-long nuclear lifecycle realistic? Or should we shift focus fully to new builds? Comment below 👇
