The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed the operating licence of utility Duke Energy’s Oconee nuclear power station in South Carolina for another 20 years.
This extension allows the facility’s three pressurised water reactor units to operate to 2053 and 2054.
The NRC said the licences now expire on 6 February 2053 for Unit 1; 6 October 2053 for Unit 2; and 19 July 2054 for Unit 3. Units 1 originally began commercial operation in 1973 and Units 2 and 3 in 1974.