How much of my electricity is actually made at the nuclear plant closest to me?
It’s a frequent question from anyone hearing about the 8 million homes that Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet powers. The answer is less straightforward than people may expect if they are not familiar with the electrical grid.
How a passion for helping others makes a difference at a nuclear plant
“A friend of mine told me I should join the fire department when I was 16 for all the typical teenage reasons. Driving fast, looking cool. It took my first serious response call to realize that wasn’t why I should be doing it,” Scott Hix said.
Hix, a...
Our top 10 articles of the decade
Did you know that the Nuclear Information Center (NIC) has been around for over a decade?
Welcome to the NIC, Duke Energy’s new online Nuclear Information Center. In this online space, you will find educational information on the nuclear industry and...
40 years later McGuire Nuclear Station continues to make a positive impact
Some say turning 40 is a gateway to old age. Others say life begins at 40. McGuire Nuclear Station workers view 40 as an important milestone since McGuire Unit 1 produced its first commercial electricity on Dec. 12, 1981. For the past 40 years, McGuire...
Illuminating the bright future of nuclear energy through employee advocates
Although there are a number of ways to reach operational goals and achieve Duke Energy’s net-zero carbon emission target, we cannot achieve these milestones without engaged employees leading the way.
We took some time to ask employees about their...
Fire prevention: why the fire brigade's training isn't too hot to handle
The best way to fight a fire is prevention. Did you know October is Fire Prevention Month? The goal of Fire Prevention Month (and week October 3-9) is to raise fire safety awareness and help ensure your home and family are protected.
Although Fire...
Duke Energy Nuclear is here for you day and night
Every morning, as our communities are waking up, our nuclear teammates continue working to safely provide the clean, life-essential electricity our customers and communities rely on every day.
Carbon-free.
No matter the time of day, no matter the...
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.
This is how maintenance keeps nuclear in remarkable condition
We know that the great things in life always involve maintenance. Whether it is our relationships, our homes, cars, toys – anything! Enjoying the best in life always comes with a few chores.
The same is true with nuclear energy. To enjoy the benefits...
Training to ensure safe, reliable operations
Continuous learning is part of any profession. Our nuclear professionals are no exception; indeed, no industry requires as much continuous training as commercial nuclear power generation. Training is needed to ensure safe, reliable operations for the generation of life-essential electricity.
