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Home , Catawba Nuclear Station, Duke Energy, McGuire Nuclear Station, Oconee Nuclear Station

2021 MEDIA GUIDE Duke Nuclear Contents

Overview...... 1 About ...... 7

Visiting a Nuclear Facility...... 3 Value of Nuclear Energy...... 7

Duke Energy Education Centers...... 3 Safety and Security of Nuclear Stations...... 7 News Media Contacts...... 4 Nuclear Power Generation...... 8 Duke Energy and Nuclear Site Media Relations Contact Information...... 4 Glossary of Nuclear Terms...... 12

Emergency Planning...... 5 Energy Education Websites...... 13

Key Emergency Planning Terms...... 6 Nuclear Emergency Classifications...... 14 This Media Guide is intended to serve as a reference for Duke Energy’s nuclear facilities. Additionally, this Overview guide provides an overview of nuclear generation, Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered the benefits of nuclear power, safety and security, in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy emergency planning, nuclear operations, used nuclear holding companies in the U.S., supplying and fuel, radiation and other related topics. delivering energy to approximately 7.7 million retail Duke Energy is committed to the safe operation of electric customers and more than 1.6 million gas- its nuclear fleet. Our goal is to protect the health distribution customers. and safety of our neighbors, employees and the Duke Energy operates 11 nuclear units at six sites environment, as well as provide accurate information in the . The combined generating capacity to the news media and public. of these facilities is nearly 11,000 megawatts. Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet generates approximately You can reach Duke Energy 24 half of the electricity provided to its customers in the Carolinas, with production costs among the lowest in hours a day through our Media Line: the nation. 800.559.3853 (DUKE). The mission of Duke Energy’s Nuclear Generation organization is to generate clean, life-essential This Media Guide provides information that can help electricity around-the-clock to power the lives of our you when covering Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet or communities. Our stations are designed, built and the nuclear industry. We recognize the challenges operated for safety and security, with multiple barriers of covering news related to nuclear energy, and we and redundant safety systems to protect the public, appreciate your important role in providing timely and station workers and the environment. accurate information to the public. Nuclear energy has been a part of Duke Energy’s Should an emergency occur at any of our nuclear diverse fuel mix for 50 years, setting industry stations, you can reach Duke Energy for information benchmarks for safety, reliability and efficiency. Harris by calling 800.559.3853 (DUKE). If needed, a Nuclear Plant, McGuire Nuclear Station and Oconee media center would be opened based on the location Nuclear Station feature energy education centers, of the affected station. which serve as strong links between the stations and neighboring communities. Thank you for taking time to review the Duke Energy Nuclear Media Guide. If you have any questions about Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet or the nuclear industry, please contact us.

/ 1 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE Duke Energy Nuclear Facilities:

Additional information about each nuclear facility can be viewed by visiting duke-energy.com or by selecting the plant below.

Energy and Environmental Center Brunswick Nuclear Plant Capacity: 1,870 megawatts Capacity: 2,310 megawatts Location: Southport, N.C. Location: York, S.C. Number of Units: 2 Number of Units: 2 Commercial Date: 1975 Commercial Date: 1985

Harris Nuclear Plant McGuire Nuclear Station Capacity: 964 megawatts Capacity: 2,316 megawatts Location: New Hill, N.C. Location: Huntersville, N.C. Number of Units: 1 Number of Units: 2 Commercial Date: 1987 Commercial Date: 1981

Oconee Nuclear Station Robinson Nuclear Plant Capacity: 2,554 megawatts Capacity: 759 megawatts Location: Seneca, S.C. Location: Hartsville, S.C. Number of Units: 3 Number of Units: 1 Commercial Date: 1973 Commercial Date: 1971

\ 2 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE Energy and Environmental Center EnergyExplorium World of Energy

of nuclear power. In addition to educational Visiting a Duke Energy opportunities, the EnergyExplorium and World of * Energy each feature a nature trail, picnic facility and Nuclear Facility butterfly garden. These stations also regularly host To request a nuclear site visit, call Duke Energy’s free, family-friendly events. 24-hour media line at 800.559.3853 (DUKE). All activities are free at the education centers. The appropriate media contact will call you for more details regarding the business purpose for the Energy and Environmental Center visit and will submit a request to the site staff for at Harris Nuclear Plant consideration. Requests for visits to nuclear stations Phone: 984.229.6261 must go through a stringent review and approval process and generally cannot be approved on Email: [email protected] short notice. Upon request, video (B-roll) or Address: 3932 New Hill Holleman Road a photo opportunity at a Duke Energy facility may New Hill, N.C. 27562 be available. Hours: Individual and group visits are arranged by appointment only and Duke Energy Education Centers* are scheduled Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Duke Energy provides energy education centers at three of its nuclear facilities. The Energy and EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station Environmental Center at Harris, the EnergyExplorium Phone: 800.777.0003 at McGuire and the World of Energy at Oconee serve as strong links between the sites and their Email: [email protected] communities. Each year, thousands of people visit Address: 13339 McGuire Station Road these education centers to learn more about nuclear Huntersville, N.C. 28078 power and Duke Energy. Hours: Individual and group visits are The three centers feature hands-on educational arranged by appointment only and exhibits and resources for anyone interested in are scheduled Tuesday through learning more about electricity and the benefits Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

*Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to have in-person visitors; however, you may contact us for virtual simulator and plant tours later this year.

/ 3 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE World of Energy at Robinson Media Center Phone: 800.777.1004 1755 Mechanicsville Rd. Florence, S.C. 29501 Email: [email protected] Address: 7812 Rochester Highway Media outlets will be informed if these facilities are Seneca, S.C. 29672 activated following an emergency declaration at a Duke Energy nuclear station. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended for group visits. Closed: Saturday, Federal, State and Local Agencies Sunday and some holidays. Federal Agencies: Nuclear Information Center (NIC) Please take a moment to visit the NIC, Duke Energy’s Nuclear Regulatory Commission nuclear blog. The NIC features stories about nuclear Public Affairs, Region II, Atlanta, GA plant operations, industry news, environmental 404.997.4000 or 800.577.8510 (business hours) stewardship, nuclear energy careers, community 301.816.5100 (after hours, call the Operations volunteerism, emergency planning and more. Center in Rockville, MD)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) News Media Contacts 770.220.5226 (news media) 770.220.5200 (24 hours) Duke Energy and Nuclear Site Media State Agencies: Relations Contact Information Division of Emergency Management Duke Energy 24-hour Media Line: 919.733.3300 or 800.858.0368 800.559.3853 (DUKE) North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Media Centers – 919.855.4800 or 800.662.7030 Activated to Support Events: Emergency Management Division Brunswick Media Center 803.737.8500 1623 Village Road NE South Carolina Department of Health Leland, N.C. 28451 and Environmental Control Catawba Media Center 803.898.3432 526 S. Church St. Local Emergency Management Agencies: Charlotte, N.C. 28202-1904

McGuire Media Center Brunswick Nuclear Plant 526 S. Church St. Brunswick County Emergency Management Charlotte, N.C. 28202-1904 910.253.5383 New Hanover County Emergency Management Harris Media Center 910.798.6800 411 Fayetteville St. Raleigh, N.C. 27603 Catawba Nuclear Station York County Emergency Management Oconee Media Center 803.326.2300 (24 hours) 664 Issaqueena Trail 803.818.5212 (Clover, and Bethel) Central, S.C. 29630-4434

\ 4 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Darlington County Emergency Management Emergency Management 843.398.4450 704.336.2412 (business hours) Florence County Emergency Management 704.336.2441 (after hours) 843.665.7255 Gaston County Emergency Management 704.866.3350 (business hours) Lee County Emergency Management 704.866.3300 (after hours) 803.484.5274 Harris Nuclear Plant Chatham County Emergency Management Industry Organizations 919.542.2911 Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) 202.739.8000 Harnett County Emergency Management 910.893.7580 (business hours) American Nuclear Society (ANS) 910.893.9111 (after hours - sheriff) 800.323.3044 Lee County Office of Emergency Management Research Institute (EPRI) 919.718.4670 (business hours) 800.313.3774 919.775.5531 (after hours - sheriff) 919.775.8268 (after hours - Sanford police) Wake County Emergency Management 919.856.6480 Emergency Planning

McGuire Nuclear Station Duke Energy is committed to the safe, secure Charlotte-Mecklenburg County operation of its nuclear stations. A combination of Emergency Management well-trained personnel, physical barriers, advanced 704.336.2412 (business hours) surveillance equipment, diverse and redundant safety 704.336.2441 (after hours) systems and many other features ensures the safe Gaston County Emergency Management operation of these stations. Beyond these safeguards, 704.866.3350 (business hours) each station has detailed plans for handling 704.866.3300 (after hours) emergencies, no matter how unlikely. These plans are Iredell County Emergency Management closely coordinated and practiced with county, state 704.878.5353 (business hours) and federal officials on a regular basis. 704.878.3039 (after hours) Neighbors living within the 10-mile emergency Lincoln County Emergency Management planning zone (EPZ) around nuclear stations receive 704.736.8660 (business hours) emergency planning information annually in the 704.735.8202 (after hours) form of a booklet or other documents mailed to their Catawba County Emergency Services homes. In addition, nuclear informational booklets 828.465.8230 (business hours) are shared with local schools and businesses/ 828.464.3112 (after hours) organizations such as hotels, motels, marinas and Oconee Nuclear Station post offices that are visited by transient populations. Oconee County Emergency Management Media outlets around our nuclear stations receive 864.638.4200 information regarding our operations. Additional emergency planning information can be found on Pickens County Emergency Management Duke Energy’s website. 864.898.5945 (business hours) 864.898.5500 (after hours) Duke Energy is responsible for managing any problem Robinson Nuclear Plant at its nuclear stations and would immediately notify Chesterfield County Office federal, state and local authorities per its plans and of Emergency Management procedures. These officials would then notify the 843.623.3362 public if any action is necessary.

/ 5 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE Key Emergency Planning Terms television station to hear emergency information. Hearing a siren does not mean anyone should evacuate. The emergency information carried on the Public Protective Actions radio and television will provide what actions, if any, In the unlikely event of a nuclear station incident, the public should take. the public may be instructed to shelter (i.e., stay indoors), evacuate or take potassium iodide (KI). Potassium Iodide (KI) County and state emergency management officials are responsible for making public protective action KI is a non-prescription drug similar to iodized table decisions and providing information to the public, no salt. KI may prevent the thyroid gland from absorbing matter the type of emergency. radioactive iodine and is one protective action that state or county officials may recommend during a nuclear emergency. KI is available to residents living Outdoor Warning Sirens within 10 miles of a nuclear station through county Emergency outdoor warning sirens are located health departments and local pharmacies. throughout each nuclear station’s EPZ. Duke Energy installed the sirens after consultation with county KI should only be taken at the direction of state and emergency management officials. To ensure the county public health officials. Emergency information sirens operate properly, they are tested in various on the radio and television will advise the public ways on a weekly and quarterly basis. Testing is part when and how long to take KI, if it is needed. of a formal maintenance program and requires no public action. Quarterly, full-volume test dates are For more KI information, visit: noted in annual emergency planning information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided to EPZ residents. North Carolina Department of Health Warning sirens are for outdoor notification and only and Human Services sounded at the direction of county/state emergency officials. If a siren sounds for three minutes, multiple South Carolina Department of Health times, the public should listen to a local radio or and Environmental Control

\ 6 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE About Nuclear Power Safety and Security of Nuclear Stations Duke Energy, along with the U.S. nuclear industry, is Value of Nuclear Energy committed to ensuring the safe, secure operation of our nation’s nuclear stations every day. Nuclear power is a safe, reliable and clean source of energy – affordably generating approximately 20% of America’s electricity. Nuclear Safety Some states, such as South Carolina, receive more Nuclear stations are among the safest and most than 50% of their electricity from nuclear power. secure facilities in the world. Industry organizations Duke Energy operates 11 nuclear units in two promote safety and excellence in the operation of states – Brunswick in Southport, N.C.; Catawba commercial nuclear power plants. The NRC provides in York, S.C.; Harris in New Hill, N.C.; McGuire in strong safety oversight and regulation of the industry, Huntersville, N.C.; Oconee in Seneca, S.C.; and as well. Robinson in Hartsville, S.C. Nuclear energy provides about 50% of our Duke Energy Carolinas Nuclear stations are built to withstand a variety of customers’ electricity. external forces, including hurricanes, tornadoes, Safety and security are the highest priorities for fires, floods and earthquakes. Nuclear stations Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet, as well as the U.S. are constructed to withstand earthquakes of the nuclear industry. Nuclear stations are designed, magnitude equivalent to or greater than the largest built and operated according to extensive safety and known earthquake for its geographic location. security requirements – strictly regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) – to protect The containment buildings that house the nuclear the public, station workers and the environment. reactor are made of thick concrete and rebar. Nuclear stations also have numerous and diverse safety Nuclear stations can reliably generate large amounts systems and physical barriers to prevent the release of carbon-free electricity around-the-clock to meet of radioactive materials and to protect the public, customer energy needs. In fact, nuclear power provides electricity to one in five businesses and station workers and the environment. homes in the U.S. Nuclear stations are also a low- cost provider of large-scale electricity 24 hours a day A Containment Building’s Robust (baseload generation). Physical Structure Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest fuel sources, accounting for more than 55% of all carbon-free electricity generated in the U.S. Nuclear energy produces no carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide or nitrogen 3 Feet of Concrete oxide. Nuclear stations are important to a carbon- Annulus free energy mix, providing a steady base to back up intermittent renewables like solar, hydro and 3/4 Inch Steel Shell . 3 Feet of Concrete , , hydroelectric, , 8 Inch Carbon Steel Reactor Vessel geothermal energy, wind power and are important to the nation’s energy mix. However, we are unable to meet our energy needs around-the- clock with sources only, making A study conducted by the Electric Power Research nuclear energy an attractive source of carbon-free Institute (EPRI) shows that reactor and fuel structures baseload generation. at U.S. nuclear stations would protect against a Nuclear energy currently plays a key role in meeting radiation release even if struck by a large commercial our nation’s electricity needs and will continue to be jetliner. A nuclear reactor is surrounded by a number an important energy source for the world in the years of structures that would limit the effects of such to come. an impact.

/ 7 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE Nuclear Security Nuclear Power Generation Nuclear stations have numerous security features. Generation of electricity in a nuclear station is similar Armed, well-trained security forces guard these to a gas-fired station. The difference is the source stations 24 hours a day. Physical intrusion barriers of heat. Fissioning (splitting) of uranium atoms consisting of concrete structures and razor wire replaces the use of natural gas as the source for heat. fences, to name a few, surround the stations. The heat is used to turn water into steam to drive Advanced surveillance equipment continually turbine generators. monitors areas surrounding the station. Duke Energy’s McGuire, Oconee, Catawba, Robinson Station access is tightly controlled by both security and Harris nuclear plants are pressurized reactor forces and sophisticated security systems, such as designs. Brunswick is a boiling water reactor design. palm and iris recognition screening, and weapons and explosives detectors. Nuclear employees must pass stringent background investigations, Pressurized Water Reactor psychological evaluations and drug and alcohol Pressurized water reactors (also known as PWRs) screenings. Employees and contractors are subject keep water under pressure so that it heats but does to continual monitoring and screening. not boil. This heated water is circulated through tubes in steam generators. Water inside the steam Our nuclear security programs are evaluated generators circulates around these tubes and is for effectiveness on a regular basis by both the heated into steam, which then turns the turbine company and the NRC. Duke Energy-operated generator. Water from the reactor and water that is nuclear stations meet all requirements set forth by turned into steam are in separate systems and do the NRC and perform well during security drills and not mix. tests. The company’s security training programs and facilities are among the best in the industry. How a Nuclear Pressurized Water We work closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, federal security agencies and Reactor Works the intelligence community. Reactor The fuel used in nuclear generation is uranium-235. It is manufactured as small pellets. A single pellet is less than an inch long, but it produces the energy equivalent to using 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas. The pellets are placed end to end into fuel rods 12 feet long. Approximately 200 of these rods are grouped together into what is called a fuel assembly.

\ 8 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE Nuclear Pressurized Water Reactor Learn more about how a pressurized water reactor works.

Nuclear fission occurs when uranium atoms are Steam Generator split by particles known as neutrons. Uranium-235 The hot, pressurized water from the reactor (primary atoms have a unique quality that causes them to coolant) passes through thousands of tubes in break apart after colliding with a free neutron. Once nearby steam generators. The outside of these a uranium-235 atom splits, neutrons are released tubes is surrounded by water from the secondary that collide with other uranium-235 atoms. A chain coolant system. The heat from the primary coolant is reaction begins, and heat is released as a byproduct. transferred to the secondary coolant system, which Control rods are inserted among the fuel assemblies then turns into steam. The primary and secondary to regulate or stop the fission process. These control systems are closed systems. This means the water rods absorb neutrons. When fully inserted among the flowing through the reactor remains separate and fuel assemblies, nuclear fission stops. Withdrawing does not mix with water from the other system or the control rods allows fission to occur. the lake.

Pressurizer Turbine In a pressurized water reactor, the heat produced in Steam produced in the secondary coolant system is the reactor is transferred to the first of three separate water systems: the primary (reactor) coolant, piped from the containment building into the turbine secondary coolant (steam supply) and condenser building to push the blades of a turbine. The turbine systems. The primary coolant is heated to more than is connected to an electric generator by a long shaft. 600 degrees Fahrenheit. A pressurizer keeps the As the turbine blades spin, the shaft turns a magnet primary coolant under pressure to prevent boiling. inside the generator to produce electricity.

/ 9 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE Nuclear Boiling Water Reactor Learn more about how a boiling water reactor works.

Condenser Coolant How a Nuclear Boiling Water Reactor Works After spinning the turbines, the steam flows across condenser cooling system tubes. The steam is cooled, Boiling water reactors (also known as BWRs) operate condensed back into water and returned to the steam in a fashion similar to a PWR. Water in the reactor vessel is allowed to boil into steam to spin a turbine generator to be used again and again. generator. A closed condenser water system cools this steam back into water so it can be pumped back into Lake Cooling or Cooling Towers the reactor vessel. The nuclear fuel core is cooled in At some nuclear stations, lake water flows through the process. thousands of condenser tubes to cool steam back to water. Water from the condenser system is then A BWR uses two separate water systems called “cycles.” To begin, water is pumped through the discharged down a long canal (for cooling) and reactor core, where a controlled nuclear reactor eventually enters the main part of a lake, river releases heat. The water inside the reactor vessel or ocean. boils into superheated steam. This steam is then At other plants, the condenser cooling water is directed against the turbine blades to make circulated through cooling towers to remove the extra the turbine and electric generator spin at heat it has absorbed. The water is pumped to the top approximately 1,800 revolutions per minute (rpm), of the cooling towers and is allowed to pour down producing electricity. through the structure. Natural-draft towers utilize After passing through the turbine, the steam passes the upward flow of air through the towers to cool the through a condenser, where it is cooled by water condenser water. In mechanical-draft towers, several drawn from a body of water, converting it back to a fans pull air inside to cool the condenser water. After liquid state. The water is then returned to the reactor, it is cooled, the condenser water is pumped back into where it is converted to steam again. The water the turbine building to cool and condense the steam. from the reactor cycle never comes into direct

\ 10 \ DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE contact with the plant’s other water systems and is used fuel at nuclear stations in storage pools or dry contained within the reactor building and the turbine/ storage containers. generator building.

Learn more about nuclear power. Reprocessing (Recycling) Used nuclear fuel recycling technology does exist, although not commercially in the U.S. For Used Nuclear Fuel many years, a number of other countries (India, Japan, France, United Kingdom and Russia) have Storage successfully used recycling to reduce the volume of Used nuclear fuel is a solid byproduct of the fission content of used fuel. The pursuit of these advanced process used to generate electricity in nuclear technologies in the U.S. does not relieve the federal stations. If all the used fuel produced in nearly government of its statutory responsibility to provide a 50 years of U.S. nuclear station operation were disposal facility since recycling does not eliminate all stacked end to end, it would cover a football field to a depth of less than 10 yards. Of this fuel, 95% used-fuel constituents. could be recycled. Radiation and Health Duke Energy has 50 years of experience handling Radiation is a natural part of our environment. It is used nuclear fuel. Our employees are well-trained, not new or mysterious. We receive radiation from environmentally conscious professionals who take the sun, minerals in the Earth, the food we eat and pride in their work, including safely managing building materials in our houses. Even our bodies used fuel. give off small amounts of radiation. Duke Energy safely stores used nuclear fuel at its facilities in two ways – in steel-lined, concrete storage Exposure to extremely large amounts of radiation can pools filled with water and in large, airtight steel be harmful. However, the amount of radiation given canisters (dry cask storage). As with every other vital off in the normal operation of a nuclear station is very system at a nuclear station, the used-fuel pools and small – smaller, in fact, than the amount we would dry storage canisters have numerous and redundant receive on a coast-to-coast airplane flight. safety and security systems that ensure the fuel Although radiation is invisible, it can be accurately remains safe and secure. measured. Radiation is measured in units called rem The federal government has responsibility for and millirem. The rem is a unit of measure that takes permanently disposing of used nuclear fuel. into account the effects different types of radiation Until a national repository or recycling is available, have on the body. A millirem is 1/1,000 of a rem. utilities will continue to safely and securely store Compute your dose.

/ 11 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE Nuclear Industry Operating Experience Radiation from Common Sources The U.S. nuclear industry relies on a program of continuous improvement based on ongoing lessons Radiation Source Dose (millirem) learned from worldwide operating experience to Average annual radiation further enhance safety. In addition to the NRC’s 620 regulation, other industry organizations like the exposure from all sources Nuclear Energy Institute, the World Association of Natural background Nuclear Operators and the Institute of Nuclear Power radiation (radon gas, 310 Operations provide significant oversight to ensure the cosmic, etc.) operational safety of nuclear stations worldwide. Man-made Source

Glossary of Medical sources 298

Nuclear Terms Consumer products (fertilizer, tobacco, 12 Here are a few commonly used terms in the smoke detectors, etc.) nuclear industry. Visit the NRC website for additional information. Living next to a nuclear Less than 1 Atom: The smallest particle of an element that cannot be divided or broken up by chemical means. It consists of a central core called a nucleus, which : A measure of reliability reflecting contains protons and neutrons. Electrons revolve the amount of electricity a generating unit provides around the nucleus. versus how much it could provide if operating at all times. Atomic Energy: Energy produced in the form of heat during the fission process in a nuclear reactor. When Containment Building: The structure housing the released in a sufficient and controlled quantity, this nuclear reactor, pressurizer, reactor coolant pumps, heat energy may be used to produce steam to run steam generators and other associated piping and a conventional turbine generator to produce electrical equipment. It is an airtight, steel-lined structure with power. Atomic energy is usually referred to as heavily reinforced concrete walls several feet thick. It nuclear energy. is designed to withstand tremendous physical forces.

Background Radiation: Radiation from cosmic Control Rods: Rods made of material that absorbs rays and radioactive material that naturally exists neutrons. When inserted into the nuclear fuel, the in soil, water and air is part of our environment. rods stop the fission process, thereby shutting down The amount of radiation a person gets is measured the reactor. in millirems, and the average person in the U.S. : A large structure that serves as a heat receives about 620 millirem of radiation each year exchanger to aid in the cooling of water used to cool – about 50% from natural sources and the rest from exhaust steam leaving the turbines of a power plant. man-made sources. Cooling towers transfer this heat into the air, instead Boiling Water Reactor (BWR): In this reactor design, of into a body of water. water flows upward through the core, where it is Core: The central portion of a nuclear reactor, which heated by fission and allowed to boil in the reactor contains the fuel assemblies, moderator, neutron vessel. The resulting steam drives turbine blades poisons, control rods and support structures. The and a shaft connected to a generator to produce reactor core is where fission takes place. electrical power. Fission: The splitting of atoms, which releases tremendous amounts of heat energy.

\ 12 \ DUKE ENERGY Fuel Rod: A long, slender, zirconium metal tube Steam Generator: In a pressurized water reactor, it’s containing pellets of fissionable material that provide the large steel component where steam is produced. fuel for nuclear reactors. Fuel rods are assembled It is located inside the containment building. into bundles called fuel assemblies, which are loaded individually into the reactor core. Subsequent License Renewal: A license that is issued by the NRC authorizing a licensee to operate Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR): The reactor heats a nuclear generating unit at a specific site in water in a closed system that then transfers its heat accordance with established laws and regulations. to another closed system in the steam generators to A subsequent license renewal allows for a plant to produce steam to turn the turbine generator. operate for a total of 80 years.

Radiation: Particles and/or energy given off by Turbine Generator: A steam (or water) turbine directly unstable atoms as they undergo radioactive decay to coupled to an electrical generator. The two devices a stable state. are often referred to as one unit.

Reactor: A cylindrical, steel vessel that contains the Uranium: The fuel used in nuclear power reactors core, control rods, coolant and structures that support because of the ability of its atoms to undergo fission. the core.

Energy Education Websites

ABC’s of Nuclear Science EnergyExplorium at National Science www.lbl.gov/abc McGuire Nuclear Station Teachers Associations www.duke-energy.com/ www.nsta.org American Nuclear Society energyexplorium www.ans.org Nuclear Energy Institute Energy Information Administration www.nei.org Center for Energy www.eia.gov Workforce Development Oak Ridge National Laboratory www.cewd.org Federal Energy Regulatory www.ornl.gov Commission Clean Energy Education U.S. Nuclear Regulatory www.ferc.gov www.cleanenergyedu.com Commission (NRC) Foundation for Water and www.nrc.gov Contemporary Physics Energy Education Education Project U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) www.fwee.org www.cpepweb.org www.energy.gov Get Into Energy Duke Energy Nuclear World of Energy at www.getintoenergy.com Information Center Oconee Nuclear Station Nuclear.Duke-Energy.com Energy & Environmental Center www.duke-energy.com/ at Harris Nuclear Plant worldofenergy Edison Electric Institute (EEI) www.duke-energy.com/eecenter www.eei.org World Nuclear Association International Atomic www.world-nuclear.org Electric Power Research Energy Agency Institute (EPRI) www.iaea.org www.epri.com Jefferson Lab The Energy Collective www.jlab.org TheEnergyCollective.com

/ 13 / DUKE ENERGY 2021 NUCLEAR MEDIA GUIDE Nuclear Emergency Classifications Four classifications are used to describe an emergency at a nuclear station. Appropriate federal, state and local authorities are informed in each of the following classifications:

Class General Description Examples

Unusual The least serious of the four classifications. It 1. A natural or other destructive event (i.e., Event means that a minor event – either operational or tornado, earthquake, vehicle crash, etc.) security – has occurred at the station. Unusual occurs that affects the station. events pose no threat to public safety but due 2. A fire lasting more than 15 minutes to strict federal regulations warrant an increased in an area where station safety equipment awareness by the plant operator and off-site is located. emergency response agencies. No release of radioactive material is expected. 3. A loss of AC electrical power from all off-site electrical transmission lines for more than 15 minutes.

Alert In this classification, an event – either 1. Indications of possible damage to the used operational or security-based – has occurred that fuel stored at the station. could reduce the plant’s level of safety. Although 2. A failure of the automatic system used there would be no threat to public safety, county to shut down the reactor. and state officials and the plant operator would prepare emergency operation centers in case 3. A fire or explosion causing significant the situation worsens. Any radioactive release damage to permanent plant equipment associated with the event would be minimal. and/or structures.

Site Area This classification means an event has occurred 1. Failure of the plant systems needed to cool Emergency in which major safety equipment has failed or the fuel or keep the reactor shut down. is likely to fail, or a security event has occurred 2. A confirmed act of sabotage in an area in an area where the reactor (and/or equipment containing vital plant structures. used to safely shut down the reactor) is located. The sirens could be sounded. The public should 3. Radiation doses projected to exceed 0.1 listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for rem total body (i.e., one-fourth the amount information and instructions. Any release of in a typical upper GI medical X-ray) at the radioactive materials would be expected to stay site boundary. within strict federal guidelines.

General The most serious of the four classifications. 1. Radiation doses projected to exceed one Emergency It means that an event has occurred in which (1) rem total body (i.e., four times the actual or imminent fuel damage is likely. State amount in a typical upper GI medical and local authorities would take action to protect X-ray) at the site boundary. the public. EAS would give information and 2. All AC electrical power sources (on-site instructions for people in the affected areas. Any and off-site) are lost and recovery is not release of radioactive materials associated with expected for a long period of time. the event could exceed strict federal guidelines.

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