Old faithful.

• Author: Saylor, Teri
• Position: SPONSORED SECTION: ENERGIZED

North Carolina's nuclear power plants have provided an important source of electricity for nearly a half decade. And despite some marketplace disruptions, industry experts say that role won't change soon.

North Carolina's first nuclear power plant--Brunswick Nuclear Generating Station near Southport--opened almost 45 years ago. It has outlasted its builder, Carolina Power & Light Co., which became Progress Energy when it merged with Florida Progress Energy in 2000 and then a subsidiary of Charlotte-based Duke Energy Corp., the country's largest utility, in 2012. The plant, however, continues to produce electricity.

North Carolina's net electricity generation from nuclear provided 5.3% of the nation's total electricity in 2016, according to Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Energy Information Administration. That was fourth most among the 50 states. Nuclear provided the biggest portion--32.5%--of North Carolina's electricity generation. Industry experts expect this "clean" energy supply, which contributes 57% of the nation's and 87% of North Carolina's zero-carbon electricity, will continue to carry that load for years to come.

Duke operates 11 nuclear reactors on six sites, including Brunswick, Harris Nuclear Plant in Wake County and McGuire Nuclear Station in Mecklenburg County. Steve Nesbit, the utility's director of nuclear policy and support, says they create 2,600 jobs and an annual payroll of $203 million. "Nuclear plants are valuable assets for our region. They provide good jobs, steady employment and a revenue source for local communities. These plants have been performing well since the 1970s, and they are under 40-year license agreements granted through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Exercising extension opportunities can extend these licenses into the 2050s and 2060s, which means the nuclear fleet in operation here can remain in operation for decades to come."

But it won't be entirely smooth sailing. Energy sources are becoming more diverse, says Rocky Seese, owner and CEO of Charlotte-based SOS Intl, which provides training and compliance services to utilities. "While coal-fired units are starting to be retired, it still ranks as the third top fuel source behind natural gas and nuclear. Then below that comes solar, wind, hydro-electricity and biofuels."

Nesbit sees the value in generating electricity from several sources and believes each has a role to play. "We have a diverse grid and diverse energy resources yielding a reliable...