Duke Energy’s Robinson Nuclear Plant Approved for 20-Year Extension Through 2050
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved license renewal for Duke Energy’s 54-year-old Robinson Nuclear Plant, extending its operating life by 20 years through 2050. The plant delivers 759 MW of carbon-free electricity—enough to power 570,000 homes—and supports nearly 500 jobs in Darlington County.
1. License Renewal Approval
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted a subsequent license renewal for Duke Energy’s Robinson Nuclear Plant, extending its operating life from its original 2030 expiration to 2050. Duke Energy filed the renewal application in April 2025, marking the second of its six nuclear sites to secure a 20-year extension after Oconee Nuclear Station in 2025.
2. Capacity, Jobs and Local Impact
Robinson generates 759 MW of carbon-free electricity, enough to power approximately 570,000 homes, and underpins nearly 500 jobs in Darlington County. The plant has received about $1.7 billion in upgrades over its lifetime to modernize systems and maintain safety standards.
3. Fleetwide Renewal Strategy
Following Robinson’s approval, Duke Energy plans to pursue subsequent license renewals for all 11 operating reactors across the Carolinas. Company leadership views extending existing nuclear assets as a cost-effective path to meeting rising demand, supporting energy security and reducing carbon emissions.