Arizona Nuclear Plant Seeks Two More Decades of Operation
The lifespan of three of Americas 94 nuclear reactors may soon be extended by two decades ().
Whats 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 facilitys nuclear units for 40 years.
- In 2011, the NRC approved APSs 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.
Whats next: After APS files its application, the NRC will evaluate the facilitys strategy for maintenance over the additional years, as well as its environmental and safety plans.
Why its 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 51勛圖厙 Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen.
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