The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) application on April 2 to renew the operating license for the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, allowing it to continue operations for an additional 20 years.
This decision is significant as Diablo Canyon supplies clean, reliable electricity to about four million Californians and accounts for nearly 20 percent of California’s clean energy. The approval follows a three-year process involving reviews from several state and regional agencies, including the California Public Utilities Commission, State Lands Commission, California Coastal Commission, and Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Sumeet Singh, CEO of PG&E, said, “The NRC’s approval of Diablo Canyon’s license renewal application marks an important milestone for California’s energy future. Diablo Canyon is the state’s largest source of clean energy and a cornerstone of reliability. Every day, we maintain an unwavering focus on operating a safe, reliable, affordable and clean energy system that can meet growing demand in a changing climate. The NRC’s thorough and thoughtful review underscores the strength of our commitment, and we are proud of Diablo Canyon’s continued role in supporting California’s focus on net-zero energy.” Jeremy Groom, Acting Director of the NRC’s Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation added during a ceremony that “Today’s milestone reminds us that when discipline, science, responsibility and vision all come together, we can build an energy future that is both sustainable and secure… This license renewal reflects that strength of commitment and confidence earned through a thorough and transparent NRC review.”
Previously in 2016 PG&E had agreed with environmental groups to retire both units at Diablo Canyon by 2025; however in response to statewide power outages during a heat wave in 2020—and new projections showing increased demand—California lawmakers passed Senate Bill 846 in 2022 directing operations through at least 2030. In line with this directive from the legislature PG&E submitted its renewal application to the NRC in 2023.
Paula Gerfen, Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer at PG&E said: “Throughout the license renewal process and our more than 40-year history we’ve demonstrated our constant commitment to operating Diablo Canyon with safety at the forefront… It’s a privilege to continue powering California’s clean energy future.” The plant runs year-round as one of San Luis Obispo County’s largest private employers with nearly 1,300 staff members.
Looking ahead extended operations through at least 2030 are projected by PG&E to provide $450 million annually in financial benefits due to avoided greenhouse gas emissions while reducing carbon dioxide emissions equivalent each year to those produced by approximately 1.6 million cars.
