Oconee Nuclear Station

  • Capacity: 2,538 megawatts
  • Location: Oconee County, S.C.
  • Commercial Date: 1973

Oconee Nuclear Station

Oconee Nuclear Station is located on Lake Keowee in Oconee County, S.C., eight miles north of Seneca, S.C.

Oconee was the first of three nuclear stations designed, built and operated by Duke Energy. Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1973, followed by units 2 and 3 in 1974. 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.

Since it began operating, Oconee has safely and reliably generated more than 500 million megawatt-hours of electricity — the first nuclear station in the United States to achieve this milestone. Oconee is one of the nation’s largest nuclear plants with a generating capacity of approximately 2.6 million kilowatts. This is enough electricity to power 1.9 million homes.

Oconee earned the further distinction of being the second nuclear station in the country to have its licenses renewed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for an additional 20 years. All U.S. reactors are initially licensed by the NRC for 40 years.

Duke Energy nuclear power plants operate at a very high level of security every day. Oconee was designed and built with redundant safety systems and multiple barriers to protect the public, plant workers and the environment.

Located at Oconee Nuclear Station, Duke Energy’s World of Energy offers educational activities and interactive exhibits for visitors interested in learning more about electricity generation, Duke Energy and Lake Keowee. 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.