South Carolina facility can now operate until 2050
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has renewed the operating licence for a second time for the Robinson-2 nuclear plant, marking the fastest licence renewal review in agency history and the first completed under new federal timelines aimed at accelerating nuclear energy decisions.
The 20-year renewal extends the plant’s authorisation to operate to July 2050, allowing the South Carolina facility to generate electricity for up to 80 years.
The plant’s single pressurised water reactor is operated by Duke Energy Progress. The 741-MW unit began commercial operation in March 2071.
“This milestone proves we can deliver results quickly without compromising safety,” said NRC chairman Ho Nieh.
“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.”
The NRC said the review was completed within the 12-month timeframe established by Executive Order 14300, cutting six months from the NRC’s previous 18-month schedule.
