Feds OK Plan to Keep Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant Operating

Federal regulators granted exemption March 2, to allow California’s final nuclear power plant to continue operation as the state struggles with energy shortages.

Pacific Gas & Electric, the operator of the San Luis Obispo facility, requested a temporary extension from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission last year.

“After evaluating the company’s exemption request, the [Nuclear Regulatory Commission] staff determined that the exemption is authorized by law, will not present undue risk to the public health and safety, and is consistent with the common defense and security,” The commission released a statement Thursday.

The release stated that regulators determined Diablo Canyon’s continuation of operation was in the public interest due to serious problems with California’s electricity grid.

PG&E plans to submit another application for continued operations in 2025 by the end the year. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, federal regulatory reviews usually last 22 months.

If granted, the renewal license would allow for continued operation for as long as 20 years, PG&E stated.

“We are pleased the NRC approved our exemption request. Aligned with Senate Bill 846, PG&E will continue on the path to extend our operations beyond 2025 to improve statewide electric system reliability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as additional renewable energy and carbon-free resources come online,” Paula Gerfen, PG&E’s senior vice-president, stated in a release.

According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), Diablo Canyon’s two remaining nuclear reactors generate about 9 percent state electricity. One reactor is allowed to operate through November 2024; the second, until August 2025.

In 2018, PG&E asked California to close down the plant. California’s extreme summer heat and wildfires over the past two decades have caused severe strain to the state’s power grid, resulting in rolling blackouts, and government appeals for energy conservation.

In fear of electricity shortages, state legislators approved a plan last spring to temporarily extend the operation at Diablo Canyon’s nuclear power plant until 2030. They also agreed that they would spend $1.4 billion on the plant’s maintenance.

“California is experiencing a substantial shift in conditions affecting the electric grid, which is transitioning to the state’s clean energy future, while confronting the impacts of climate change,” Gov. Gavin Newsom provided an analysis of the extension to Diablo Canyon Power Plant this month. “This shift in conditions is creating challenges for its residents, especially those in disadvantaged communities and low-income communities.”