U.S. Department of Energy Awards $271 Million to Support Extended Operation of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently awarded $271 million to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to support the continued operation of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. The funding will be used to ensure the plant maintains safe and reliable power generation during the license extension period and to support workforce stability.

In April of this year, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a 20-year extension of the operating licenses for both units at Diablo Canyon. Under the previous schedule, the plant's two units were originally slated to cease commercial operation in 2025.

Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish stated that keeping Diablo Canyon operational is of great significance in meeting California's growing demand for affordable, reliable, and safe electricity. The Civil Nuclear Credit Program is helping protect this critical baseload power source and prevent premature retirement of reliable generation facilities from the grid.

Diablo Canyon currently supplies nearly 10% of California's electricity. Under the Civil Nuclear Credit Program, PG&E is eligible to receive up to $1.1 billion in funding to support the work required to keep the plant operational.

These funds can be used for reactor component replacement, equipment upgrades, and nuclear fuel procurement, as well as for addressing unplanned expenses arising from extending the plant's operating life and maintaining continuous power supply.