US plant cleared for extended operation in record time

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has renewed the operating licence for HB Robinson Steam Electric Plant Unit 2 - a single-unit pressurised water reactor plant - for 20 years. This is the unit's second, or subsequent, licence renewal: it received a 20-year renewal of its original 40-year licence in 2004.

This is the first licence renewal to be completed by the NRC under new federal timelines aimed at accelerating nuclear energy decisions. The NRC formally accepted the licence renewal application for docketing on 28 April 2025: the review process has been completed within the 12-month timeframe established under the executive order on the reform of the Commission issued by President Donald Trump last May, cutting six months from the regulator's previous 18-month review schedule.

"This milestone proves we can deliver results quickly without compromising safety," NRC Chairman Ho Nieh said. "By focusing on essential factors for sustained nuclear power plant safety and applying lessons learned from past renewals, our team was able to work efficiently while maintaining their commitment to enabling timely safety decisions."

Robinson is operated by Duke Energy Progress LLC. The 759 MW of electricity it delivers powers nearly 570,000 homes, and the plant supports nearly 500 high-paying jobs while making USD28 million in annual local tax contributions, according to Duke Energy. The company's fleet of 11 nuclear units at six sites in North Carolina and South Carolina meet about 51% of customers' energy needs in the Carolinas. Licence renewal extends the use of cost-effective generation, resulting in significant savings for customers over time, while extended operation sustains significant local economic benefits, the company said.

"Extending the operating life of this proven asset helps us deliver low-cost, always-on electricity for customers while supporting jobs and energy security for the region," said Steven Capps, chief nuclear officer for Duke Energy. "Robinson's subsequent licence renewal reflects the strength of our safety culture and the rigorous work our teams do every day to support our communities."

The plant, which was first connected to the grid in September 1970, is now authorised for operation until July 2050.