One More U.S. Nuclear License Renewed Another 20 Years

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Written by Danny Levin, Deputy Editor for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

The latest nuclear license renewal from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission comes for both reactors at the Edwin I. Hatch nuclear power station in Georgia.

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Hatch Nuclear License Renewal

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved an application for subsequent license renewals for the two reactors at the Georgia Power-led Edwin I. Hatch nuclear power station in Georgia, giving both reactors another 20 years to operate. This adds to a host of applications already approved, under consideration or pending submission.

Nuclear reactors in the U.S. initially are licensed to operate for 40 years. This can be extended by 20 years in an initial license renewal, and for another 20 years (80 total years of operating) through subsequent license renewals (SLR).

With a capacity of approximately 1,800 megawatts, the two-unit "Plant Hatch" entered service in 1975 (Unit 1), while Unit 2 began operating in 1979. The recent approval extends the operating license for Unit 1 through August 2054 and Unit 2 through June 2058. The NRC approved a previous 20-year license extension in 2002.

According to Industrial Info Resources data, projects at the Hatch nuclear power station include power uprates and refueling outages planned for both units, totaling US$380 million of investment. Power uprates on units 1 and 2 would begin in 2030 and 2029, respectively. Outages for Unit 1 are expected in the first quarter of 2028 and 2030, and Unit 2 in first-quarter 2027 and 2029.

In addition to the projects above, the Industrial Info Resources Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Database offers a detailed plant profile.

The plant is co-owned by Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, and Dalton Utilities (City of Dalton, Georgia.) Southern Nuclear, a subsidiary of Southern Company, operates the plant on behalf of the co-owners.

Other Licenses Approved or Awaiting Decision

The most recent license renewal marks the second such renewal to be performed by the NRC under an expedited review process--taking place within 12 months or less--following the May approval of Duke Energy's 20-year license extension to operate the Robinson nuclear plant in South Carolina until 2050.

In May, the agency approved Florida Power & Light (FPL) and its parent company NextEra Energy's application for subsequent license renewals for the two reactors at its St. Lucie nuclear power plant in southern Florida, giving both reactors another 20 years to operate.

According to the NRC, two applications are under review:

• Constellation Energy's Nine Mile Point Unit 1, which would allow the unit to operate through August 2049. Unit 2 is on a different operating schedule and was not included in this application. Its current license allows it to operate through October 2046.
• Nebraska Public Power District's Cooper Nuclear Power Station in Nebraska, which would extend the operating license through January 2054.

Under the NRC's accelerated review timeline, the decisions should be reached by April 2027 and June 2027, respectively.

Awaiting Submission

Meanwhile, the NRC expects two applications will come in before the end of the year. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has stated it plans to submit the application to renew the operating license for Unit 1 at its Watts Bar Nuclear Power Station in Tennessee, while Constellation plans to submit an application for its Ginna power plant in New York State.

Another nine SLR applications are expected to come in during 2027, according to the NRC.

Key Takeaways

• The Hatch nuclear power station in Georgia received approvals to operate for another 20 years.
• The NRC is reviewing a license renewal application for Constellation Energy's Nine Mile Point Unit 1 in New York.
• By the end of the year, TVA is expected to apply to extend Watts Bar Unit 1 in Tennessee.

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About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).