Duke Energy's nuclear renaissance

With electricity demand in the U.S. surging—driven by data centers, electrification, manufacturing, and population growth—utilities are under pressure to deliver clean, reliable power at scale. In this episode of Power Perspectives, we explore how Duke Energy, which operates the largest regulated nuclear fleet in the nation, is answering that call. Joining for the conversation is Rounette Nader, Vice President of New Nuclear Generation and License Renewal at Duke Energy. Rounette walks listeners through the company’s multi-faceted strategy to meet rising demand through power uprates, long-term relicensing efforts, and laying the groundwork for deploying advanced nuclear tech like small modular reactors (SMRs). Beyond the technical needs, we also dive into strategies related to community perceptions of nuclear, the ever-evolving regulatory landscape, and what the next few years are expected to look like for Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet. This episode is essential listening for utility leaders, policymakers, and clean energy advocates looking to understand how nuclear fits into the future of the grid. Key Links: Energy Central Post with Episode Transcript: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/duke-energys-nuclear-renaissance Video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LMEQJKJGQsM Ask a Question to Our Future Guests: Do you have a burning question for the utility executives and energy industry thought leaders that we feature each week on Power Perspectives? Leave us a message here for your chance to be featured in an upcoming episode: www.speakpipe.com/EnergyCentralPodcast