NRC Completes Fastest-Ever Reactor License Renewal, Extending Operations To 2050

No: 26-046 April 23, 2026 CONTACT: Office of Public Affairs, 301-415-8200 NRC Completes Fastest-Ever Reactor License Renewal, Extending Operations To 2050 “This milestone proves we can deliver results quickly without compromising safety.” ROCKVILLE, Md. — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed the operating license for a second time for H.B. Robinson Steam Electric Plant Unit 2, marking the fastest license renewal review in agency history and the first completed under new federal timelines aimed at accelerating nuclear energy decisions. The 20-year renewal extends the plant’s authorization to operate through July 2050, allowing the South Carolina facility to generate carbon-free electricity for up to 80 years. The plant’s single pressurized water reactor is operated by Duke Energy Progress LLC. “This milestone proves we can deliver results quickly without compromising safety,” Chairman Ho K. Nieh said. “By focusing on essential factors for sustained nuclear power plant safety and applying lessons learned from past renewals, our team was able to work efficiently while maintaining their commitment to enabling timely safety decisions.” The review was completed within the 12-month timeframe established by Executive Order 14300, cutting six months from the NRC’s previous 18-month schedule, while maintaining the agency’s rigorous safety standards. The NRC conducted its review on parallel tracks, issuing a final supplemental environmental impact statement in March 2026 and a safety evaluation in April 2026. These documents, along with additional details about the renewal, are available on the NRC website.   The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was created as an expert, technical agency to protect public health, safety, and security, and regulate the civilian use of nuclear materials, including enabling the deployment of nuclear power for the benefit of society. Among other responsibilities, the agency issues licenses, conducts inspections, initiates and enforces regulations, and plans for incident response. The NRC is collaborating with interagency partners to implement reforms outlined in new Executive Orders and the ADVANCE Act to streamline agency activities and enhance efficiency. 26-046.pdf