Duke submits construction application
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com

The construction of a nuclear power plant here took a big step forward Thursday when Duke Energy submitted a construction and operating license (COL) application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Duke Energy officials had said they planned to submit the applications for a proposed 2-unit nuclear station by the end of the year.

"This was expected and we are pleased that this is moving forward," said Jim Cook, director of the Cherokee County Development Board. "We hope that this project comes to fruition."

The proposed nuclear power plant would be located on a 2,000-acre site in the McKown's Mountain area.

It's expected to take at least 42 months for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to review the application, Duke Energy spokesperson Rita Sipe has said.

"Submitting the COL application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is an important step for our customers and company," Duke Energy chief nuclear officer Brew Barron said in a press release. "This allows us to move forward in keeping the new nuclear generation option available in meeting the growing energy needs of the Carolinas."

Duke Energy Carolinas' resource needs are expected to increase by 10,700 megawatts by 2027, according to the press release. The proposed two-unit William States Lee III Nuclear Station will have a capacity of 2,234 megawatts, the press release said.

Duke Energy announced plans two years ago to pursue a new nuclear station in the Carolinas, and began preparing the COL application for two Westinghouse generating units, the press release continued.

Duke Energy is the fourth company to submit a COL application to the NRC under the revised licensing process and the first to submit an application for a greenfield site, according to the press release.

A final decision to build the nuclear station won't be made before 2010, company officials have said.

Duke Energy is continuing demolition work to remove old structures located on the 2,000 acre property, according to Sipe.

The utility's real estate department is working with property owners to secure the rail spur that will be needed once the nuclear station project is approved, Sipe said.