Arizona Nuclear Plant Seeks Two More Decades of Operation
The lifespan of three of America’s 94 nuclear reactors may soon be extended by two decades (Power Engineering).
What’s going on: “Arizona Public Service (APS) has notified the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of its intent to renew the operating licenses for all three units at Palo Verde Generating Station, which could extend operations from the mid-2040s through the mid-2060s.”
- With a capacity of 4,200 megawatts, Palo Verde, located west of Phoenix, is the largest power generator in the western U.S.
- In the 1980s, the NRC licensed the facility’s nuclear units for 40 years.
- In 2011, the NRC approved APS’s renewal application for an additional 20 years of operation, and last week, the operator filed notice that it would submit a renewal application late next year.
What’s next: After APS files its application, the NRC will evaluate the facility’s strategy for maintenance over the additional years, as well as its environmental and safety plans.
Why it’s important: “Nuclear energy is clean, safe, and ever more critical to the U.S. energy generation mix. Extending the life of our existing nuclear plants, like the critical Palo Verde Generating Station, and getting new nuclear facilities online faster will ensure manufacturers in the U.S. stay globally competitive,” said NAM Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen.