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Progress Receives New License for Spent Fuel Storage at H. B. Robinson Plant

4/5/2005

LCG, April 5, 2005--Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc., received a new, 40-year license for the dry-cask independent spent fuel storage installation at its H.B. Robinson nuclear power plant from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on March 30.

The single-unit, 710-MW H.B. Robinson nuclear plant is located near Hartsville, South Carolina and includes eight modules to store spent nuclear fuel. In April of last year, the NRC issued a new license for the plant's reactor for an additional 20 years. The reactor, which had a license set to expire in 2010, now has a license to operate until 2030. With the re-licensing for the storage of spent fuel, the long-term outlook for plant is improved.

This action marks only the second time that the NRC has re-licensed a dry-cask independent spent fuel storage facility. Last month, the NRC renewed Dominion Generation's license for its dry-cask independent spent fuel storage installation at the Surry nuclear power plant located near Surry, Virginia.

The 40-year term of the renewal at both power plants represents an exemption from the NRC regulations that specify a 20-year license term. The NRC stated that the exemption is allowed for in that dry casks are an interim storage solution that will be used until a more permanent solution is available.

The renewals at both nuclear stations include strict terms with respect to inspections and monitoring the aging and integrity of the casks.