Duke Energy Surges to 195th in Trading Volume with $847 Million Turnover

On April 9, 2025, Duke Energy (DUK) saw a significant increase in trading volume, with a turnover of $847 million, marking a 46.03% rise from the previous day. This surge placed Duke Energy at the 195th position in terms of trading volume for the day. The stock price of Duke Energy rose by 0.31%.

Duke Energy has recently submitted a license renewal application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its Robinson Nuclear Plant in Hartsville, S.C. The application seeks to extend the plant's operations for an additional 20 years until 2050. The plant, which began operations in 1971, currently generates approximately 759 megawatts of carbon-free electricity. This strategic move is part of Duke Energy's broader plan to optimize its generation portfolio and ensure continued support for the growing energy needs in the Carolinas.

The company has invested $1.7 billion in capital upgrades to enhance safety and efficiency at the facility. These investments cover equipment replacements, control system upgrades, and safety enhancements necessary for extended operations. The federal nuclear production tax credit provides additional economic tailwinds for these existing assets, helping to keep customer costs low. This license extension request follows the successful renewal of Duke's Oconee Nuclear Station and signals the company's intention to pursue similar extensions for all 11 reactors in its fleet.

For a regulated utility like Duke, preserving these long-lived assets makes particular sense as they contribute to rate base stability while providing the dispatchable, carbon-free generation needed to complement intermittent renewables. The extension also maintains workforce continuity and preserves the local tax base in communities where these facilities operate. The Robinson Nuclear Plant license extension represents a value-optimization strategy that enhances Duke Energy's long-term financial outlook. By potentially extending operations to 2050, Duke can spread fixed costs over a longer operational period, significantly improving the plant's lifetime economics and return on invested capital.