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Project Overview

Proposed Lee Nuclear Station Artist Rendering -- Cherokee County, S.C.

In December 2007, Duke Energy submitted a combined construction and operating license (COL) application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the proposed Lee Nuclear Station at a site in Cherokee County, S.C. The COL is for two Westinghouse AP1000® reactors designed to further enhance plant safety and operations.

The proposed 2,234-mewagatt facility supports our communities’ energy, economic and environmental needs. It will significantly reduce our carbon and overall environmental footprint and enable us to retire less efficient and higher-emitting plants. Lee Nuclear Station will also help stimulate the region’s economy through job creation and tax revenues, while meeting our customers’ need for clean, affordable and reliable electricity.

Public support of nuclear energy is vitally important now and in the future. Duke Energy’s history of safe and reliable operations is a history that we are extremely proud of, and will continue to focus on for years to come.

Environmentally Sound

  • Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest power sources in the U.S. today. It is the only electricity source that can reliably and efficiently produce power 24/7 with no greenhouse-gas emissions.
  • Nuclear energy provides the greatest opportunity to reduce our company’s carbon footprint.

Technologically Safe

  • The proposed Lee nuclear facility consists of two Westinghouse AP1000 pressurized water reactors – one of the safest and most economical nuclear power technologies available in the worldwide commercial market.
  • The average capacity factor for Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet – a measure of reliability – has remained at greater than 90 percent for the past 10 years. 
  • Nuclear power plants are among the lowest-cost providers of baseload electricity, producing electricity for about 2.14 cents per kilowatt-hour.
  • Nuclear power plants are among the most secure facilities in the world today.

Economically Beneficial

  • The proposed Lee facility would increase the tax base for local and state economies.
  • Construction jobs could peak at an estimated 4,000+ during the construction period.
  • The plant would employ an estimated 900+ full-time people during station operation, and local businesses may need to add new jobs and services to support these workers.