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PG&E files Diablo Canyon license renewal application

November 8, 2023

Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

PG&E on Tuesday filed an application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to renew its license to operate Diablo Canyon Power Plant.

The utility had planned on shutting down the nuclear power plant in 2025. However, PG&E has since received backing from both federal and state officials for extending the operating life of Diablo Canyon through 2030, with a goal of providing Californians reliable electricity. 

PG&E needs to obtain license renewals from the NRC, as well as regulatory approval from other federal and state agencies in order to keep operating the plant past 2025. A regulation requires that nuclear power plant operators file renewal applications at least five years before their existing license is set to expire. But, PG&E requested an exemption from the regulation, which the NRC approved in March. 

On Tuesday, PG&E submitted an application to renew its operating licenses for both reactors at Diablo Canyon for an additional 20 years. While 20 years is standard for an NRC license renewal request, current state law only calls for keeping the San Luis Obispo County nuclear plant operational through 2030.

When the NRC determines that PG&E’s application is sufficient for its review, a multi-year evaluation process will begin. Diablo Canyon will continue to operate at least until the NRC issues its final ruling on the application. 

“PG&E is committed to answering the state’s call to ensure the continued operation of the facility and safely deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for California,” PG&E CEO Patti Poppe said in a statement. “Diablo Canyon is a treasure and tremendous resource for the state, as well as one of the safest operated nuclear power plants in the nation. We are pleased policy makers see the value of DCPP. It would be a great honor to continue serving California for as long as the state supports the operation of the facility.”


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Two Things to remember: Diablo Canyon is designed to withstand no more than a 6.8 earthquake. Also, the ocean water intake cooling system is extremely vulnerable to tsunamis that could create a catastrophic failure at the plant.


-1

We still have to listen to the siren tests no matter what…


-24

The environmentalists (emphasis on mental), demanded the sirens. They wanted them, so live with them.


You do realize, that the sirens would be used and tested even with Diablo closed…right?


6

Sorry, meant as Reply to kayaknut


-3

The money will be paid back as soon as all those cities,school districts, etc decide to pay it back. Just like the rescue plan it was given away to never be seen again.


Also we have to be Xtra careful, we are on a slippery slope of sanity in calif with our demented leaders actually being pragmatic about our need for nuclear generated power.


13

So when are the ratepayers going to get all the money back they paid for the closure and the money that was given to entities to offset the loss from the closure?


25

Seriously? Perhaps one is totally unaware of the many BILLIONS that will be necessary to bring this antique up to standards. I know the bulk of commentors on this site are likely employees of PG&E, making hefty salaries, and so quite willing to overlook the degeneration of the facility and the many faults upon which it rests, but some of us have issues with the fact (fact) that the NRC is waiving its’ own standards, bigtime, to reup this decaying monster. Money talks. And it will be our beautiful coast at risk, probably none of them live anywhere near it.


-1

Sanity prevails. Too bad we had to shovel a few billion more bucks at PG&E to make it happen. No worse, I guess, than dumping copious amounts of tax money at unnecessary solar and wind power instead of very efficient, low carbon emitting, gas powered plants.


11

Keep it rolling.


33