CHARLOTTE — Duke Energy announced last week its participation in a multijoint public-private application for the Department of Energy’s U.S. Gen III+ small modular reactor 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, Duke Energy 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.”
According to the DOE grant application, Duke Energy will participate as a member of a proposed U.S. coalition on small modular reactors, or 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.
Additionally, Duke Energy has entered into an agreement with GE Hitachi to support the development of the BWRX-300 SMR design. This partnership, combined with Duke’s involvement in the SMR coalition, will enable exchanges of insights and best practices with TVA and other industry collaborators. These efforts will inform Duke Energy’s ongoing nuclear projects, aligning with the company’s energy transition goals in an effort to ensure greater value for its customers and communities.
