NRC ReviewSMR (LWR)
Project website →Belews Creek SMR
📍 Walnut Cove, NC (Stokes County Co.)Developer: Duke Energy
Capacity
—
Expected Operation
2034
Reactor Type
SMR
Regulatory Status
ESP application docketed and under NRC review; NRC uncontested (mandatory) hearing held 2026-09-17 in Danbury NC, record open to 2026-10-01; EIS scoping begun 2026-04; no decision to build
Details
Primary Use
Power generation
Grid Connection
PJM / SERC
Construction Start
2030+
Research detail · verified 2026-10-10
Stage
Application under NRC review
Commercial power
Yes
NRC docket
52-055
Stated target operation
First SMR online 2036; 600 MW of advanced nuclear by 2037 (stated by Duke Energy, 2025-12-30 ESP press release)
Key dates
2025-12-30 ESP application submitted; 2026-01-07 NRC notice of receipt; 2026-02-09 NRC accepted and docketed application, hearing opportunity noticed; 2026-04-10 hearing request deadline; 2026-04-27 NRC notice of intent to prepare EIS (Army Corps cooperating); 2026-09-17 NRC mandatory hearing, Danbury NC
Not verified / conflicts
NRC review is expected to run to about May 2027 (NRC page via search summary only); no ESP issuance found as of 2026-10-10. Duke's 2026 resource-plan discussion (FITSNews 2026-09-28) says the first ~1,100-1,200 MW around 2037 will come from either Belews Creek SMRs (up to six) or a large LWR at W.S. Lee (Cherokee County SC) - technology not selected. Duke spokesperson said the plant 'will create jobs' but gave no numbers. No college/union partnerships tied to the project found.
Sources
- https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-submits-early-site-permit-application-for-potential-new-nuclear-development-in-north-carolina
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/07/2026-00090/duke-energy-corporation-belews-creek-early-site-permit-application
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/09/2026-02521/duke-energy-carolinas-llc-belews-creek-belews-creek-early-site-permit-application
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/27/2026-08155/duke-energy-carolinas-llc-belews-creek-north-carolina-site-early-site-permit-notice-of-intent-to
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/06/2026-16044/duke-energy-carolinas-llc-belews-creek-notice-of-hearing
- https://www.ans.org/news/2026-02-10/article-7747/nrc-posts-hearing-request-notice-for-belews-creek-esp-application/
- https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/triad/news/2026/01/01/duke-energy--nuclear-power--stokes--
- https://www.fitsnews.com/2026/09/28/duke-energy-makes-a-big-nuclear-power-play/
About
First modular reactor targeted by 2034.
Key Organizations
Developer
Duke Energy
State Policy Context
View nuclear-related legislation and energy stats for North Carolina