NRC has said it usually takes about 22 months to make a decision on a license extension without a hearing or about 30 months with a hearing
- By Christopher Smith -
According to a report by Reuters, PG&E Corp said that it would seek to renew the licenses of the 2,240-megawatt Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in California for an additional 20 years. Extending the licenses is "important for the environmental and economic health of California," John Conway, PG&E senior vice president, energy supply and chief nuclear officer, said in a release.The existing 40-year operating licenses for Diablo Canyon's units expire in 2024 and 2025.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has said it typically takes about 22 months to make a decision on a license extension without a hearing or about 30 months with a hearing. "As a company and as a state we must support every option for meeting California's ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals while providing 24/7 reliability. Extending Diablo Canyon's ability to operate for another 20 years helps us do just that," Conway said.
California regulators expect demand for power to continue increasing by at least 2 percent each year, and the Diablo Canyon plant provides enough power for about 2 million California homes.
PG&E said extending Diablo Canyon's operating licenses was the latest of the company's energy- and environment-saving initiatives, including carbon offset programs, energy efficiency incentives and investment in renewable ennergy sources.
The Diablo Canyon plant is located in Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County about 195 miles (310 km) northwest of Los Angeles. The plant has two units, the 1,122-MW Unit 1 and the 1,118-MW Unit 2, which entered service in 1985 and 1986.