en.Wedoany.com Reported - On April 2nd, Weidu News reported that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) application for a 20-year license extension to operate the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.
The NRC's approval followed a transparent and public process, concluding that the nuclear power plant is safe and environmentally sound for another 20 years of operation. However, extending its operation beyond 2030 will require action by the California legislature. The three-year license renewal process also requires approvals from state and regional agencies, including the California Public Utilities Commission, the State Lands Commission, the California Coastal Commission, and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.
The Diablo Canyon Power Plant provides safe, reliable, affordable, and clean electricity to approximately 4 million Californians, accounting for nearly 20% of the state's clean energy. With a generating capacity of over 2,200 megawatts, it can meet the daily electricity needs of 4 million Californians. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, it serves as a stable source of power.
PG&E's Chief Executive Officer, Sumit Singh, stated that the NRC's approval of the license renewal application is a significant milestone for California's energy future. He emphasized that the plant is California's largest source of clean energy and a cornerstone of grid reliability. The company is committed to operating a safe, reliable, economical, and clean energy system to meet growing demands under climate change and is proud of the plant's continued role in supporting California's net-zero energy goals.
Jeremy Groom, Acting Director of the NRC's Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, noted that the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant is an integral part of the Central Coast community and a stabilizing force for California's power grid. This license renewal reflects a firm commitment and confidence earned through comprehensive and transparent review. He also commended PG&E for its full cooperation throughout the process, pointing out that this is the 100th U.S. power plant operating license renewed by the NRC.
Paula Gerfen, Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer at PG&E, stated that throughout the renewal process and over 40 years of operation, the company has always prioritized safety, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the plant's operation. She expressed deep honor in continuing to power California's clean energy future.
Previously, in 2016, PG&E reached an agreement with environmental and labor groups to shut down Diablo Canyon Unit 1 in November 2024 and Unit 2 in August 2025. In 2022, following statewide rolling blackouts during a 2020 heatwave and updated forecasts for renewable energy needs, California lawmakers passed Senate Bill 846, which was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, directing the Diablo Canyon Power Plant to operate until 2030 to ensure grid reliability and clean energy supply. In 2023, acting under the direction of the California State Legislature, PG&E submitted the license renewal application to the NRC.
A 2025 report by the California Energy Commission found that electric system reliability is expected to improve significantly due to several factors, including the recent decision to retain Diablo Canyon. The Commission projects that peak electricity demand will grow by over 20 gigawatts by 2045, equivalent to the output of nine Diablo Canyon plants. Extending Diablo Canyon's operation to 2030 is estimated to bring $450 million in annual economic benefits, primarily from avoided greenhouse gas emissions. Its continued operation is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 1.6 million cars annually by 2030.
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