World of energy seneca sc

The World of Energy



Light bulb powered by atomic fission glows against World of Energy's topographic map reactors.



Seneca, South Carolina

"The progress of mankind depends on our ability to harness nature's energy," says a cheerful, disembodied voice in the black light outer-space chamber entrance to
The Story of Energy
-- the multimedia showpiece of The World of Energy visitor center.


Sleepy rural South Carolina: home to what was once the world's largest nuke power plant.

The World of Energy claims to be the longest continually operating nuclear visitor center on the planet. It opened on July 1, 1969, while the Oconee Nuclear Plant was still being built, offering views from its outdoor decks of the construction. When Oconee's third reactor went online in 1974, it became the largest nuclear power plant in the world.

Three Mile Island and the 9/11 terrorist attacks reduced corporate America's appetite for these optimistic atomic showcases. But The World of Energy has survived, partly because Oconee has never had a major problem, and partly because it's tucked into the sleepy northwest corner of South Carolina, far from the frantic attraction turnover of Myrtle Beach.


World of Energy


AAA Editor Notes

World of Energy, 7812 Rochester Hwy., is Duke Energy's information center. Next to Oconee Nuclear Station, the center contains interactive exhibits that illustrate the use of water, coal and uranium in creating energy. Exhibits demonstrate hydroelectricity and how local waterways interact to produce electricity. A re-created mine shows how energy stored in coal is eventually converted into electricity. A fission chamber helps explain how nuclear energy is made.

Displays chart the story of power from lightning to light bulbs and describe energy conservation programs for the home. The center also has specimens of local fish in indoor ponds and aquariums, a cold-water habitat and children's video games concerning electricity.

The building is on Lake Keowee, and from the peninsula visitors can enjoy the scenic vista. The grounds include a fishing pier, a .25-mile nature trail with wildlife viewing opportunities, and a butterfly garden; butterflies can usually only be seen from May to mid-September.

Picnicking is permitted. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.







Opened in 1969 as a platform to watch the construction of Oconee Nuclear Station, Duke Energy’s World of Energy in Seneca remains committed to educating the public about all forms of energy.

The interactive museum is free and open to the public six days a week. Touch screens and audio exhibits guide visitors through topics such as how electricity is generated using water, coal and uranium as well as learning about how the Bad Creek, Jocassee and Keowee reservoirs all interact to generate electricity. A large, 3-D topographical map shows the lakes and where hydro stations are located.

You’ll also learn how Oconee was Duke’s first nuclear power plant (the company now has seven) and see models that demonstrate how a nuclear station works. Oconee is one of the nation’s largest nuclear plants with a generating capacity of approximately 2.6 million kilowatts. That is enough electricity to power 1.9 million homes.

The exhibits also teach about the high level of safety measures that are part of the Oconee Nuclear power plants’ daily operations. The plant has 3,000 employees who work at the site each day and Oconee was designed and built with redundant sa


Discover how electricity is generated using water, coal and uranium by journeying through a self-guided tour and by playing hands-on computer games.

Whether you’re looking to fill an hour or an entire afternoon, The World of Energy has plenty to keep you entertained. Many guests enjoy starting with the educational exhibits located inside our visitors center. From there, you can wander through the butterfly garden or take a walk along our nature trail. You can even end with lunch in the picnic shelter, located along the beautiful shores of Lake Keowee.

More than three-million people have visited the World of Energy, and we’d love for you to be our next guest! We can easily accommodate small families or large groups; and, once here, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to see and learn. We are open six days a week and close for just a few holidays each year. If you will be bringing a group of ten or more, we ask you to schedule your visit.


Hours
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: Noon to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed


Nice to Know
* Free Parking, Including Bus Area
* Free Admission
* Handicap Accessible
* There is no vending a