California’s last nuclear power plant was initially set to shut down by 2030 due to environmental pressures, but it will now continue to operate after regulators granted an extension.
On Thursday, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved a request for the Diablo Canyon power plant, located in San Luis Obispo Bay, to function until 2045.
This plant serves as a renewable energy source, supplying around 8.5% of California’s electrical needs.
Approximately ten years ago, PG&E, the plant’s operator, announced plans to close it in 2024. This decision was later revised with a California Senate bill in 2022, which pushed the closure back to 2030.
The extension means the plant can continue to provide clean energy for about 4 million Californians.
According to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, it generates nearly 20% of the state’s clean energy and almost 10% of its total electricity.
If these plants were to shut down, it would likely exacerbate the state’s energy shortages, leading to increased costs. California residents already face some of the highest utility bills in the country.
Newsom praised the decision, emphasizing that the plant’s operation is crucial to preventing severe power outages. He noted, “When Congress and I partnered to extend Diablo Canyon operations beyond 2025, we promised Californians that tackling extreme weather events and supporting a reliable power grid are essential to building a safe, affordable, and resilient future for our state.”
The extension to 2045 still requires approval from the California Legislature.
