Capacity factor – it's a measure of reliability
One way the energy industry measures the reliability of power plants is by regularly calculating capacity factors.
Capacity factor measures how often a plant is running at maximum power. It’s expressed as a percentage and calculated by dividing the actual unit of electricity output by the maximum possible output. This ratio is important because it indicates how fully a generating unit is used.
Hydro anniversary highlights importance of diverse, carbon-free energy portfolio
Keowee Hydro Station, a two-unit 157-megawatt hydropower plant in Seneca, S.C., recently celebrated its 50th anniversary (April 2021) of generating clean, reliable energy for the Carolinas.
The station is part of Duke Energy’s Keowee-Toxaway Project,...
Advanced nuclear benefits may be worth exploring for a carbon-free future.
The nuclear industry continues to evolve; as does the future for nuclear power generation. According to a 2021 article by World Nuclear Association,
"Around 10% of the world's electricity is generated by about 440 nuclear power reactors. About 50 more...
Every Day in Nuclear Energy is Earth Day
Earth Day began in 1970 as a “teach-in” to educate communities about the importance of the environment. Like Earth Day, what would become the nuclear fleet for Duke Energy was just emerging. While the connection between Earth Day and Duke Energy’s fleet...
What you need to know about the different types of nuclear reactors
Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 27, 2012. It has been revised, updated and republished.
Nuclear energy accounts for almost 50% of the Carolinas electricity with zero carbon emissions.Through the fission process, our highly...
Why dusk is no where in sight for Robinson Nuclear Plant
On March 7, 2021, Robinson Nuclear Plant celebrated 50 years of commercial operations, or more simply, 50 years of providing electricity to customers in the Carolinas. In 1971, the plant was the largest nuclear power plant constructed in the world and...
Advanced nuclear energy will help achieve climate goals
Duke Energy’s six nuclear plants run so efficiently that they’re often unnoticed as they supply a steady flow of electricity to the grid. In 2019, these plants generated more than 50 percent of the electricity delivered to Duke Energy customers in the Carolinas – and as the company moves toward its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, nuclear will be an even more important energy source.
Learn about the atom: from the simplest to the most complex
It takes an electron microscope to see an atom, but you can learn about the parts of one from the comfort of your driveway. Learn the basics of an atom, then watch the video below to make learning come to life.
Send your Energetic Chalk Drawing photos or videos through private or direct message for a chance to be featured on our social media channels.
Say watt for National Metric Day
While most of us are very familiar with and even proud of our system of measurement, the U.S. customary units, we are taking a moment to celebrate National Metric Day by recognizing something that is a big part of our lives.
Most of us use this every day and are fairly familiar with it. Whether talking about that new microwave you purchased or which lightbulb to buy, the metric system is very important. The unit of measurement we’re talking about is the WATT!
Nuclear Energy - Powering our low-carbon future
Do you know what U.S. electricity source is the most reliable, provides the most carbon-free generation in the nation, employs thousands of Americans, provides power to 1 in every 5 homes and businesses, and requires the least amount of land? The answer...
