Duke Energy has applied to the NRC for an Early Site Permit for a new power plant. An ESP, if granted, qualifies a particular location for a new nuclear power plant, independent of a specific reactor design or technology. The ESP is just the first step in the process of issuing a full construction and operating license.
From the news release…
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy announced today its submission of an early site permit (ESP) application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a site near the Belews Creek Steam Station in Stokes County, N.C., culminating two years of work. The submittal is part of the company’s strategic, ongoing commitment to thoroughly evaluate new nuclear generation options to reliably meet the growing energy needs of its customers while reducing costs and risks.
Also…
The ESP is technology neutral, allowing Duke Energy to receive the permit and select a technology later in the development process. The company’s application includes six potential reactor technologies, including four small modular reactor designs and two non-light-water designs. Large light-water reactors, similar to the 11 units Duke Energy currently operates in the Carolinas, are not included in the permit application.
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They will be looking at the several SMR designs out there, before choosing a particular reactor supplier. They also will be looking at non-light water plants, perhaps TerraPower’s sodium cooled Natrium reactor, or possibly X-Energy’s high temperature, gas-cooled pebble bed design. It will be interesting to see which way Duke goes.
The NRC has already issued several ESPs for other projects. See link below, if you are interested. It appears some of the ESPs may have expired, with no construction permits issued. The ESP for TVA’s Clinch River site appears to still be active.
_ Pete