Wedoany.com Report-Jun 1, The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has approved a USD 700 million project that will increase power generation at the Columbia Generating Station, the only operating nuclear power plant in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. This upgrade, scheduled for completion by 2031, will add a total of 186 megawatts of electric capacity, combining an Extended Power Uprate (EPU) and planned energy efficiency improvements.
Columbia Generating Station
On May 20, BPA confirmed its decision after 18 months of evaluation. In collaboration with Energy Northwest, the EPU will include approximately 30 system enhancements, primarily focusing on enlarging pumps and motors. The upgrades will be implemented during regular refuelling outages to minimize disruptions. Once completed, the EPU alone will add 162 megawatts of output, sufficient to supply electricity to around 12,500 homes.
In addition, energy efficiency measures scheduled during the next three refuelling outages — in 2027, 2029, and 2031 — will contribute another 24 megawatts, bringing the total increase to 186 megawatts. Energy Northwest plans to submit a license amendment request for the EPU to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2028.
Energy Northwest CEO Bob Schuetz praised BPA’s decision: “I applaud BPA for its strategic vision in advancing our region's future with additional, reliable capacity that nuclear energy can provide. The Administration's support for the initiative underscores a commitment to affordable and carbon-free electricity for the Northwest region, including our public power member utilities and their customers.”
BPA Administrator and CEO John Hairston noted the long-term value: “This is a great value for ratepayers in the Pacific Northwest. Upgrading an existing resource to provide additional reliable energy will help BPA keep pace with its customers’ growing electricity needs and keep rates low.”
The Columbia Generating Station, located near Richland, began commercial operation in 1984 and is currently licensed to operate until 2043. It is a single boiling water reactor and part of Energy Northwest’s diverse portfolio, which includes hydroelectric, wind, solar, and battery storage projects. Energy Northwest serves over 1.5 million customers through its network of 29 public power utilities.
Separately, Energy Northwest has announced a collaboration with Amazon and X-energy to explore development of four advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) generating approximately 320 MWe. This project may expand to 12 SMRs at a site near the Columbia plant.
The BPA, a federally owned nonprofit agency, markets electricity from hydroelectric dams in the Columbia River Basin and from the Columbia nuclear plant. This latest initiative supports its goal of enhancing capacity without new fossil fuel sources, in line with regional energy demands and long-term sustainability targets.
