The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on 28 July accepted for review an application from Duke Energy Carolinas requesting an additional 20 years for the previously renewed operating licences for units 1- 3 of the Oconee Nuclear Station in South Carolina. Duke Energy submitted its application on 7 June.
NRC approved the initial licence renewal in May 2000, with unit 1 currently licensed to operate until February 2033; unit 2 until October 2033; and unit 3 until July 2034. NRC said accepting the application for review, or “docketing” the application, does not indicate whether the Commission will approve or reject the request. The NRC has published in the Federal Register a notice of opportunity to intervene in an adjudicatory hearing. Petitions to intervene in the hearing must be filed by 27 September by anyone whose interest may be affected by the proposed licence renewal and who wishes to participate as a party in the proceedings.
Photo: Oconee nuclear station (Credit: Duke Energy)
