What are Small Modular Nuclear Reactors?
Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) are nuclear power plants that are smaller in size than most commercial nuclear power plants today. The plants in the Duke Energy nuclear fleet are large baseload power plants, which mean they are designed to ...
Going Critical is a Good Thing: Debunking Nuclear Myths
Nuclear power plants are among the safest, most affordable and environmentally friendly options for powering billions of homes around the world. So why do so many negative myths surround the industry? Let's take a look at some of the most common ...
The 411 on Operator Training and Licensing
A focus on safety, commitment and accountability – these are the core elements of an effective nuclear reactor operator. A nuclear reactor operator, senior reactor operator or anyone supervising the operation of a commercial nuclear reactor must be ...
Ensuring Nuclear Plant Safety – Nuclear Reactor Oversight Process
Each nuclear unit in the industry must pass a rigorous test. And, every nuclear worker understands they must perform their tasks at a high level to continuously ensure operational safety. All nuclear workers carry a special responsibility. They must ...
Natural Nuclear Reactors - Two Billion Years-Old!
Rethink for just a minute what you know about nuclear energy. Set aside the idea that nuclear energy can only be produced at highly engineered nuclear reactors with multiple, redundant safety features. Site of the Oklo natural nuclear reactors in ...
A Brief History of Nuclear Power in the U.S.
Shippingport power station was the first commercial nuclear power plant in the world. In the post-World War II era, the Atomic Energy Commission was created to explore peaceful opportunities for the same nuclear materials the U.S. used in Japan at the ...
The Fuel in the Reactor Core
In this the second-part of three-part series where we examine the phases of the nuclear fuel cycle. To read the first part of our series, click here. Part 2 From Fabrication Facility to Reactor After nuclear fuel assemblies are built at the fuel ...