Evolution of the Harris Nuclear Plant
Duke Energy has safely operated nuclear power plants in the Carolinas for more than 40 years. The company, which includes predecessor Progress Energy and Carolina Power & Light (CP&L), sited and built the first commercial nuclear reactor in the ...
Career Spotlight: Work Control Center
Bill Mason in the McGuire Nuclear Station Work Control Center It takes a dedicated team to handle the day-to-day functions of running a nuclear station, and Work Control Center (WCC) teammates ensure plant operations run smoothly with the ...
National Emergency Exercise Prepares Utilities and Other Responders for the Unlikely
March 28, 1979, was a day that forever changed the nuclear power industry – the day of the Three Mile Island (TMI) accident in Pennsylvania. A combination of equipment malfunctions, design-related problems and human performance errors led to the ...
The Navy - A Valuable Tool for the Nuclear Industry
The United State Nuclear Navy program provides a valuable pipeline for talent to commercial nuclear operations across the country. A significant number of commercial nuclear workers begin their careers in the nuclear navy. Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, ...
It’s All About Performance
In nuclear, we draw on lessons learned from many industries. When it comes to safety, the automobile industry is fertile ground for learning what works. In 1998, all new cars in the U.S. were required to have both shoulder harness seat belts and front ...
Duke Energy Employees Win Top Nuclear Industry Awards
Every year, the nuclear industry recognizes top industry performance through the Top Industry Practice (TIP) awards. These awards are presented annually at the Nuclear Energy Assembly and recognize innovative achievements in the nuclear industry. This ...
The Mysterious “Hot Hole”
If you read our last post, you may have realized just how important water is to electricity production at nuclear power plants. Because of this water need, nuclear plants are typically located near lakes, rivers or the ocean.
Most power plants use one...
Lake Temperatures Near Nuclear Plants
Duke Energy actively monitors water quality year-round. Nuclear stations generate electricity by heating water to create steam to turn turbines, which turn a generator. As part of electricity production, these stations need a way to cool this steam ...
Dry Cask Storage: An Alternative for Storing Used Fuel
McGuire Nuclear Station dry cask storage stores used fuel on site. One aspect of nuclear energy that makes it unique is the issue of used fuel storage. Used fuel is nuclear fuel that is no longer useful for sustaining a chain reaction in a reactor. ...
Nuclear Fuels Engineers Are Masters of Interior Design
Nuclear power plants in the United States produce electricity 24/7 and are baseload generating plants. Baseload power refers to generating resources that operate continuously and provide reliable power to customers, only shutting down for scheduled ...