The Diablo Canyon Power Plant is in good enough condition to run for at least the next two decades, according to federal inspectors.
Local regulators with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission recommended that Diablo Canyon – which provides about 10 percent of California’s energy – should have its license renewed for an additional 20 years.
The big picture: Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) submitted a license renewal application in November 2023 to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
- The federal government completed its inspection at Diablo Canyon, and on May 1 the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a memorandum saying that PG&E has established aging management programs that are in compliance with the requirements to operate the plant through a license renewal.
What they’re saying: “We determined that the applicant’s program and activities related to the license renewal of Diablo Canyon Power Plant, have been or will be, completed in substantial agreement with docketed commitments and regulatory requirements,” the memorandum reads.
- Per the memorandum, PG&E demonstrated the capability to manage the effects of aging.
- “Therefore, we conclude that there is reasonable assurance that the applicant’s aging management programs provide an adequate foundation for renewing the license for Diablo Canyon Power Plant for an additional 20 years,” the memorandum reads.
Flashback: Diablo Canyon had been set to close this year, officially marking the end of nuclear energy in California.
- But Gov. Gavin Newsom brokered a deal in 2022 with the Legislature to extend its life to 2030, culminating in approval from the California Public Utilities Commission last year.
