ML26016A624
| ML26016A624 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | 05200055, 99902121 |
| Issue date: | 02/08/2026 |
| From: | Sayoc E NRC/NRR/DNRL/NLIB |
| To: | Catherine Nolan Duke Energy Corp |
| Shared Package | |
| ML26016A623 | List: |
| References | |
| Download: ML26016A624 (0) | |
Text
Chris Nolan, Vice President, New Nuclear Generation Strategy and Regulatory Engagement.
Duke Energy Corporation 13225 Hagers Ferry Rd., MG011E Huntersville, NC 28078
SUBJECT:
ACCEPTANCE REVIEW RESULTS FOR AN EARLY SITE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR BELEWS CREEK SITE
Dear Mr. Nolan:
By letter1 dated December 30, 2025, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke) submitted an early site permit (ESP) application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the Belews Creek Site located in Stokes County, North Carolina, in accordance with the requirements contained in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) Part 52, Licenses, Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants, Subpart A, Early Site Permits.
The NRC staff performed an acceptance review of the ESP application consistent with the requirements of 10 CFR 2.101, Filing of application, 10 CFR 52.16, Contents of applications; general information, 10 CFR 52.17, Contents of applications; technical information, and 10 CFR 51.50, Environmental report - construction permit, early site permit, or combined license stage. The NRC staff determined that the application is acceptable for docketing and contains sufficient information to initiate detailed safety and environmental technical reviews and establish a predictable review schedule. The docket number established for this application is52-055. This docket number should be included in all future correspondence.
1 Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, Duke Energy - Application for an Early Site Permit for the Duke Energy Belews Creek, NC Site NRC Project Number 99902121, December 30, 2026 (ML25364A004)
February 8, 2026
C. Nolan 2
The tables below provide key milestones for both the safety review and the environmental review and support the issuance of a final safety evaluation report and final environmental impact statement within 15 months from docketing.
Safety Review Milestones Estimated Completion Dates Draft Safety Evaluation Report1 August 2026 Advanced Safety Evaluation Report2 March 2027 Final Safety Evaluation Report May 2027 Notes:
1.
Safety Evaluation Report drafted and information gaps identified.
2.
Safety Evaluation Report without open items.
Environmental Review Milestones Estimated Completion Dates Draft Environmental Impact Statement February 2027 Final Environmental Impact Statement May 2027 It is estimated that the mandatory hearing will be completed within three months after issuance of the final safety evaluation report and final environmental impact statement and a decision on the ESP could be made by August 2027. Any potential contested hearings are not included in this schedule.
The schedule reflects the NRC staffs best estimate of the level of effort needed for its review and is based, in part, on Dukes commitments to provide timely support during technical audits and to respond to requests for additional information within 30 days of issuance. To achieve this schedule, the NRC staff intends to engage Duke frequently during the application review to assess progress and address emerging technical issues using audits, public meetings, and requests for additional information. Delays in the NRC staffs receipt of necessary information could result in changes to the review schedule. If potential delays arise in its support of the schedule, the NRC requests that Duke inform the NRC staff in writing, as early as possible.
Based on preapplication activities and the information provided in the application, the NRC staff estimates that it will need approximately 8,900 staff hours and $1.2 million in contractor support to reach a final decision on the application. This resource estimate includes support for mandatory hearing activities.
The proposed schedule and resource estimates are dependent on Dukes commitment to provide supplemental confirmatory information, within 60 days from the date of this letter, to support the maximum hypothetical accident analysis provided in the application and demonstrate compliance with 10 CFR 52.17(a)(1)(ix). If this supplement includes new or significant information, the NRC staff will assess the impact on said schedule and resource estimates.
C. Nolan 3
Following the issuance of this letter, a notice will be forwarded to the Federal Register informing the public of the docketing of Dukes ESP application for detailed review by the staff and the associated opportunity for a hearing on the contents of the application.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact, Mr. Emmanuel Sayoc, Project Manager, at (301) 415-4085 or by email at emmanuel.sayoc@nrc.gov, or Ms. India Banks, Project Manager, at (301) 287-0787 or by email at india.banks@nrc.gov. For questions that are specific to the environmental review please contact Mr. William Burris, Project Manager, at (301) 415-1621 or by email at william.burris@nrc.gov.
Sincerely, Emmanuel C. Sayoc, Project Manager Licensing and Regulatory Infrastructure Branch Division of New and Renewed Licenses Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation Docket No.: 05200055
Enclosure:
Federal Register Notice Signed by Sayoc, Emmanuel on 02/08/26
Pkg: ML26016A623 Letter: ML26016A624 FRN: ML26016A625 via* e-concurrence NRR-106 OFFICE DNRL/NLIB: PM REFS/EPMB3: PM REFS/EPMB3: BC NAME ESayoc*
WBurris*
DBarnhurst*
DATE 1/16/2026 1/20/2026 1/23/2026 OFFICE DNRL/NLIB: BC DNRL/NLIB: PM NAME MHayes*
ESayoc*
DATE 2/6/2026 2/8/2026