Know Your Neighbor: Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant
Part 1: A Legacy of Power and Progress
This article is part of a three-part series designed to educate and inform local residents about the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant. Through this series, we will explore its history, safety measures, community impact, and future to provide a well-rounded understanding of this significant local landmark.
Holly Springs, NC, Feb. 14, 2025 — The Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant has been a cornerstone of energy production in central North Carolina for decades. Nestled in New Hill, just west of Holly Springs, the plant is a testament to innovation and resilience in energy development. Named after W. Shearon Harris, a visionary leader and former president of Carolina Power & Light (now Duke Energy Progress), the plant was initially conceived in the 1960s as a four-reactor facility designed to meet the surging energy demands of the growing Research Triangle area. However, as economic conditions and shifting energy needs evolved, only one reactor was completed and came online in 1987.
Despite scaling back from its original vision, Shearon Harris has been a powerhouse—literally and figuratively. Today, it generates 964 megawatts of carbon-free electricity, enough to power over 600,000 homes across central and eastern North Carolina. Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina residents, and the surrounding areas rely on this facility for their daily energy needs, from powering homes and businesses to keeping essential infrastructure running smoothly. The plant has also provided a steady stream of high-quality jobs, employing hundreds of skilled workers ranging from engineering and maintenance to security and environmental oversight.
Beyond energy production, the Shearon Harris site has undeniably impacted the local landscape. Harris Lake, a vast 4,100-acre reservoir, was created to provide the necessary cooling water for the plant’s operations. Over the years, the lake has taken on a dual role. While it remains a critical component of plant operations, it has become a beloved recreational hotspot for the community. Fishermen, boaters, and nature enthusiasts flock to its shores, finding solace in the beauty and biodiversity that now thrive in and around its waters.
As Holly Springs continues to grow rapidly, the Shearon Harris plant is a steadfast provider of reliable electricity, ensuring the lights stay on and the air conditioners keep running, no matter how high the population climbs.
What's next: In Part 2, we will take a closer look at the safety measures in place at Shearon Harris, how emergency preparedness is managed, and the role the plant plays in the local community.