Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant could safely operate for 20 more years, report says
PG&E could safely operate the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant for another 20 years, according to a safety report released on Thursday.
In response to PG&E’s application to renew its operating licenses for 20 years, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission reviewed inspections of Units 1 and 2 to evaluate how aging would impact the power plant’s “passive” systems like concrete, wall thickness and electric cabling.
According to the report, PG&E’s plans and procedures to address aging would meet the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s safety requirements.
“It’s a key milestone and step to re-licensing the plant,” PG&E’s vice president of nuclear business and technical services Maureen Zawalick said of the report.
PG&E applied on Nov. 7, 2023, for a 20-year license renewal to continue operating Units 1 and 2 of the power plant.
If the NRC approves the license renewals, Units 1 and 2 would have the option to operate until 2044 and 2045, respectively.
But only with the state Legislature’s approval.
Senate Bill 846 allowed PG&E to keep the power plant running until 2030. Even if PG&E is granted the two license renewals, the state must issue its own approval for the power plant to operate past that year.
Zawalick said PG&E stands at the ready to continue providing electricity if the commission and the state allow.
The power plant provides the state with nearly 10% of its power, serving about 4 million customers, she said.
“Continuing to operate the plant supports the state’s electric reliability and affordability,” she said. “It also helps, as we’ve talked about, meeting our aggressive climate goals of the state.”
What’s next?
In a few weeks, the NRC will release the final environmental impact statement for the plant’s 20-year license renewal.
Then, on July 8, the commission’s Advisory Committee of Reactor Safeguards will hold a public hearing at its headquarters in Maryland, where PG&E will present its case for renewing the operating licenses.
Zawalick compared the hearing to “defending our dissertation.”
Later this year, the commission is expected to make a decision about the license renewal.
PG&E must also get certifications from the California Coastal Commission and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board to continue operating the power plant, Zawalick said.
