Another American nuclear power plant gets green light for 80-year operation

The regulator has extended the operating licenses of two units at the American Point Beach nuclear power plant by another 20 years. This is already the second extension for the pressurised water reactor units, which were originally designed for a 40-year lifespan. The plant, which began operating in the early 1970s, can now generate electricity until 2053. A total of 15 American nuclear units have received approval to operate for 80 years, and at least another ten are going through the license extension process.

NextEra Energy announced that the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has renewed the operating licenses of units 1 and 2 at the Point Beach nuclear power plant for a second time. This paves the way for the two pressurised water reactors, each with a capacity of 591 MW, to operate for 80 years.

“This extension will ensure that Wisconsin’s only nuclear power plant continues to provide safe, reliable and low-cost energy for generations to come,” said Brian Bolster, president and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources.

The first unit at the Point Beach plant in Wisconsin began commercial operation in 1970, followed by the second unit in 1973. The NRC extended the original 40-year operating licenses for both units in 2005. The current licenses expire in October 2050 for unit 1 and March 2053 for unit 2.

80-year operation of nuclear units

When they entered service, US reactors were granted 40-year operating licenses, with the possibility of a further 20-year extension. The original 40-year license was tied more to the financing of nuclear projects than to the designed lifetime of the facilities and technology.

“We are proud that Point Beach will remain an integral part of Wisconsin’s energy future and a vital contributor to the state and local economy,” Bolster added.

Nuclear plant operators are interested in extending licenses to 80 years, and 15 nuclear units at eight plants have now received approval, including Point Beach (Turkey Point, Peach Bottom, Surry, North Anna, Monticello, Oconee, Virgil C. Summer).

At least another 10 units are going through the approval process and awaiting NRC authorization (St. Lucie 1-2, Browns Ferry 1-3, Dresden 2-3, H.B. Robinson 2, Edwin I. Hatch 1-2).