Charlotte, NC, December 5, 2025
Duke Energy is making strides in advanced nuclear development by collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Tennessee Valley Authority on a $400 million grant project. This initiative focuses on deploying small modular reactor technology to ensure reliable and carbon-free energy. Duke Energy plans to assess the Belews Creek site for potential deployment and aims to submit an early site permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, highlighting their commitment to enhancing energy reliability and economic growth in North Carolina.
Duke Energy Advances Nuclear Innovation in Charlotte, NC
A Collaborative Effort to Strengthen Energy Reliability and Economic Growth
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy is taking significant strides in the field of advanced nuclear development through participation in a critical U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) cost-share project. Recently, the DOE unveiled a $400 million grant targeted at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to accelerate the deployment of GE Vernova Hitachi’s (GVH) BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Duke Energy’s backing of TVA’s grant application underscores its commitment to join forces with other utilities and tech providers, enhancing a standardized technology design that draws on industry lessons learned. This strategic collaboration dovetails with Duke Energy’s overarching goal of supplying reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy, thereby furthering energy dominance and American prosperity.
As part of this project, Duke Energy is assessing the potential for SMR deployment specifically at the Belews Creek site in North Carolina. The company is also gearing up to submit an early site permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by the close of this year. This initiative aligns with Duke Energy’s broader mission to bolster grid reliability and cultivate economic growth through the advancement of nuclear technologies.
Driving the Future of Energy with Small Modular Reactors
The DOE’s Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Program aims to fast-track the demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor technologies, ensuring a smooth transition from existing reactors to more technologically sophisticated designs. The program provides financial backing to stimulate the development and deployment of new nuclear reactors, addressing longstanding challenges that have impeded the growth of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Duke Energy’s Role and Objectives
Duke Energy’s involvement in this initiative highlights its dedication to minimizing costs while maximizing reliability and fostering economic prosperity. The partnership with TVA and GVH aims to drive forward the BWRX-300 technology, with the intent of paving the way for future SMR deployments. This focus is especially crucial as demand for electricity escalates due to emerging trends in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency mining, and electric vehicle utilization.
Advancing Clean Energy Solutions
Duke Energy is steadfast in its mission to invest in cleaner energy sources and innovative technologies, ensuring that it can meet the rising electricity demand effectively. By exploring and investing in advanced nuclear technologies, the company remains committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy to its customer base.
Community and Economic Implications
This initiative illustrates the strong potential for advanced nuclear technologies to contribute positively to both local communities and the North Carolina economy. By investing in such projects, Duke Energy is not only ensuring energy security but is also potentially creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth within the region.
Conclusion
In summary, the collaboration between Duke Energy and the DOE reinforces the importance of advancing nuclear technology as a reliable energy source for the future. This initiative promises to enhance grid reliability while supporting significant economic growth in North Carolina. Local residents and businesses are encouraged to remain engaged in these developments, recognizing the beneficial impact they can have on the Charlotte economy and energy landscape.
What is the DOE’s Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Program?
The Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Program aims to expedite the demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor technologies, bridging the gap between the current fleet of reactors and more advanced designs. The program provides funding opportunities to support the development and deployment of new nuclear reactors, addressing challenges that have hindered the U.S. nuclear industry.
What is the BWRX-300 small modular reactor technology?
The BWRX-300 is a small modular reactor technology developed by GE Vernova Hitachi. It is designed to provide reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy, aligning with Duke Energy’s long-term strategy to deliver such energy to its customers while supporting American prosperity and energy dominance.
What is Duke Energy’s role in the DOE’s cost-share project?
Duke Energy is participating in the DOE’s cost-share project by collaborating with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and GE Vernova Hitachi to advance the deployment of the BWRX-300 small modular reactor technology. The company’s involvement supports its strategy to collaborate with other utilities and technology providers to advance a standardized technology design, leveraging industry lessons learned.
Where is Duke Energy considering deploying the small modular reactor?
Duke Energy is evaluating potential small modular reactor deployment at the Belews Creek site in North Carolina. The company plans to submit an early site permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by the end of this year.
What are the benefits of small modular reactors?
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are designed to provide reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy. They offer benefits such as flexible deployment due to their compact size and modular design, and they can leverage the existing service and supply chain sectors supporting the country’s current fleet of light-water reactors, helping to speed up the near-term deployment of new nuclear reactors.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| DOE Grant | $400 million awarded to TVA to accelerate BWRX-300 SMR deployment |
| Duke Energy’s Role | Collaborating with TVA and GE Vernova Hitachi to advance SMR technology |
| Potential Deployment Site | Belews Creek site in North Carolina |
| Application Submission | Early site permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by year-end 2025 |
| Program Objective | Expedite demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor technologies |
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