- Ensures nuclear energy remains core to its 'all of the above' energy generation strategy
- Aligns with Duke Energy's focus on reducing costs and risks for its customers, investors and operations while supporting long-term regional economic development
- Includes agreement to invest in activities to advance standard design and licensing of GE Hitachi's small modular reactor technology while gathering industry learnings and best practices
Duke Energy announced its participation in a multi-joint public-private application for the Department of Energy's (DOE) U.S. Gen III+ small modular reactor (SMR) technology grant.
If awarded by the DOE, the grant, which is being led by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), will support Duke Energy's new nuclear strategy by joining with other utilities and technology providers to more cost effectively advance a standard technology design and license, while learning best practices from others in the industry who are also pursuing new nuclear technologies. The goal is to continue to reduce technology risks and costs for the benefit of our customers, communities and investors.
"Our participation in this grant reflects our commitment to nuclear energy's role in our long-term 'all of the above' generation strategy by supporting the rigorous evaluation of future technologies, such as small modular reactors," said Harry Sideris, the company's president. "Public-private partnerships such as this accelerate technology development and increase our access to industry learnings and best practices, so we can deliver the best value for our customers, communities and investors."
As outlined in the DOE grant application, Duke Energy will participate as a member of a proposed U.S. coalition on SMRs. This includes working as a collective group to assess risks and foster U.S. heavy manufacturing and supply chain capabilities that could result in cost reductions and collaboration across deployments. The coalition will also seek input from local communities, including those impacted by retired fossil plants.
Collaboration with GE Hitachi
In addition, Duke Energy has entered into an agreement with GE Hitachi to invest in activities to advance the standard design and licensing for GE Hitachi's BWRX-300 SMR technology. This agreement, along with participation in the potential U.S. SMR coalition, will provide another avenue for Duke Energy to exchange valuable insight and best practices with TVA and other collaborators as they implement GE Hitachi's SMR technology. This work will help inform Duke Energy's near-term evaluation and early development activities for new nuclear, which supports the company's energy transition and will deliver value to its customers and communities.
