Cherenkov Effect is Science, Not Science Fiction
In the movies, a nuclear reactor is always shown shrouded in an electric blue haze. It is easy to assume this is simply a special effect, but the blue glow is an actual real world phenomenon known as the Cherenkov effect or Cherenkov radiation. ...
The Wild Side of Nuclear Facilities
When you think of nuclear power plants, recreation may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But at and around Duke Energy’s nuclear sites you can find numerous places to hike, fish, picnic and bird-watch. In fact, Duke Energy’s nuclear sites ...
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 ...
STEM: A Critical Focus for Duke Energy
What do sheep eyeballs, robots, tornadoes, and balloon cars all have in common? Nearly 100 campers recently visited the EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station, to take part in “Exploring Science,” a program designed to boost student’s interest in ...
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...