EnergyOnline
Services

RSS FEED

EnergyOnline.com rss

News

EIA Estimates Record U.S. Electric Generating Capacity Additions in 2026, with Solar in the Lead

LCG, February 20, 2026--The EIA today issued an "in-brief analysis" that estimates U.S. power plant developers and operators plan to complete a record installation of 86 GW of new, utility-scale electric generating capacity that is connected to the U.S. power grid in 2026. Last year, 53 GW of new capacity was added to the grid, which was the largest capacity installation in a single year since 2002. Thus the estimate of 86 GW of new capacity in 2026 is a whopping 33 GW greater than the year prior. It should be noted that over 20 GW of the 86 GW of new capacity this year is estimated to be completed in December.

Read more

Enhanced Geothermal Systems May Drive Significant Growth in Geothermal Power Generation

LCG, February 19, 2026--The EIA released an "in-brief analysis" today regarding the expected completion of the first, large-scale commercial enhanced geothermal system (EGS) in June 2026, and the significant growth potential for year-round, 24x7, carbon-free, renewable EGS power generation in the United States.

Read more

Industry News

Duke Energy Seeks to Extend Operating License for Robinson Nuclear Plant

LCG, April 9, 2025--Duke Energy announced yesterday its submission of a subsequent license renewal (SLR) application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the Robinson Nuclear Plant, a 759-MW nuclear unit located near Hartsville, South Carolina. The application requests extending the plant's operations for an additional 20 years.

The Robinson Nuclear Plant commenced commercial operation in 1971 with a 40-year operating license. The license was first renewed by the NRC in 2004 for an additional 20 years of operation until 2030. The SLR, if approved, would extend operations until 2050.

"Renewing Robinson's operating license for a second time is a critical step in our commitment to providing reliable, always-on, cost-competitive power for our customers," said Duke's senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. "This extension will allow us to continue supporting our company's energy transformation and contributing to the local economy for decades to come."

Duke Energy sees carbon-free nuclear power as a critical component of its diverse energy mix. Nuclear power supplies more than half of the electricity consumed by Duke's Carolinas customers.

"Though the first nuclear plant to enter commercial operation in the southeast, Robinson is a modernized plant fully prepared for operations into midcentury," said the site's vice president. "We've invested approximately $1.7 billion into capital upgrades to our facility to enhance safety and efficiency."

The license renewal process requires a comprehensive analysis and evaluation to ensure the plant can safely be operated for the period of extended operation. Last month the NRC approved the SLRs for Duke Energy's three-unit Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca, South Carolina, which will extend operating lives through 2053 and 2054. Moreover, Duke Energy stated that it intends to request SLRs for all 11 operating reactors in its nuclear fleet in order to support the company’s “all of the above” strategy to deliver a path to cleaner energy while protecting reliability and affordability for customers as regional electricity demand continues to grow.
Copyright © 2026 LCG Consulting. All rights reserved. Terms and Copyright
UPLAN-NPM
The Locational Marginal Price Model (LMP) Network Power Model
Uniform Storage Model
A Battery Simulation Model
UPLAN-ACE
Day Ahead and Real Time Market Simulation
UPLAN-G
The Gas Procurement and Competitive Analysis System
PLATO
Database of Plants, Loads, Assets, Transmission...
CAISO CRR Auctions
Monthly Price and Congestion Forecasting Service