McGuire Nuclear Station
- Capacity: 2,200 megawatts
- Location: Mecklenburg County, N.C.
- Commercial Date: 1981
McGuire Nuclear Station is located on Lake Norman in Mecklenburg County, N.C. Lake Norman — the state’s largest man-made lake — was built by Duke Energy in 1963 by damming the Catawba River with Cowans Ford Hydroelectric Station. The lake provides cooling water for both McGuire and Marshall Steam Station.
McGuire was the second of three nuclear stations designed, built and operated by Duke Energy. Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1981, followed by unit 2 in 1984. Today, Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet provides electricity to approximately half of its customers in the Carolinas, with production costs among the lowest in the nation.
Duke Energy nuclear power plants operate at a very high level of security every day. McGuire was designed and built with redundant safety systems and multiple barriers to protect the public, plant workers and the environment.
Located at McGuire Nuclear Station, Duke Energy’s EnergyExplorium offers educational activities and interactive exhibits for visitors interested in learning more about electricity generation, Duke Energy and Lake Norman. This energy education center also regularly hosts free, family-friendly events.
Fresh Off The Press: The Nuclear Information Center
Duke Energy has launched the Nuclear Information Center (NIC). The NIC’s accessibility and social media elements will help demystify the world of nuclear energy. It aims to educate readers to foster a greater understanding of nuclear technology and industry issues through the eyes of those who work within it. To check out the NIC, go to http://nuclear.duke-energy.com.
