Duke Energy Corporation has submitted an early site permit $(ESP)$ application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission $(NRC)$ for a site near the Belews Creek Steam Station in Stokes County, North Carolina. This marks the company's first ESP application and is part of its strategy to explore new nuclear generation options, particularly small modular reactors. The ESP process, which is technology neutral, aims to resolve environmental and site safety issues in advance, reducing risks and potential delays for future nuclear development at the site. No other beneficiary organizations are mentioned.

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