Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC; Belews Creek; Belews Creek Early Site Permit Application

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff has accepted and docketed an application for an early site permit (ESP) submitted by Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, dated December 30, 2025. In addition, the NRC is providing notice that an uncontested hearing will be held on the ESP application at a time and place to be set in the future by the presiding officer for the uncontested hearing. This notice also provides the public an opportunity to request a hearing and petition for leave to intervene (i.e., contested hearing) with respect to that application. If the NRC issues an ESP, the applicant, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, would be approved for one or more proposed sites for a nuclear power facility, independent of a specific nuclear plant design or an application for a construction permit or combined license. Because the application contains Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI), this notice includes an order that imposes procedures to obtain access to SUNSI for contention preparation.