Dominion Keeping Nuclear Plants Running

In a news release last week Dominion Energy announced that they have filed an application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to renew the operating licenses for the North Anna Power Station's nuclear plant for an additional 20-year term. If granted this will be the second 20 year renewal on top of the original 40 year for a grand total of 80 years.

The North Anna units are three-loop Westinghouse pressurized water reactors that can produce 1,892 MW, or about 20% of the electricity used in Virginia. Like all U.S. nuclear units, the North Anna units were originally licensed to operate for 40 years. The units' licenses were renewed for 20 additional years of operation on March 20, 2003, following a stringent review process authorized under federal law. Under its current licenses, the North Anna Units can continue to operate through 2038 and 2040. With renewed licenses, the units may operate to 2058 and 2060.

Dominion Energy filed a similar application to renew the licenses of the two Surry Power Station units in Surry County in 2018. The NRC is currently reviewing that application. Together Surry and North Anna produce approximately 30 % of the electricity used in Virginia. Previously, Florida Power & Light Co.'s Turkey Point reactors and Exelon Corp.'s Peach Bottom Nuclear Generating Station in Pennsylvania received license renewals that would allow them to operate for 80 years.

Nuclear power generation has found itself at the center of the nation's clean energy debate-is nuclear energy green because it is carbon free or dangerous? The industry sees the carbon emissions-free reactors as a chief way to meet carbon-free goals that states are mandating while maintaining reliability. The utilities view the nuclear power is essential for the baseload to avoid the rolling blackouts of recent occurrence in California. According to Dan Stoddard, Dominion Energy's Chief Nuclear Officer, "Renewing the licenses for both of our nuclear units in Virginia is critical to the company meeting the Virginia Clean Economy Act's requirements for zero-carbon electricity by 2045 as well as the company's net zero by 2050 commitment. It also positions Virginia for continued economic growth and will help the Commonwealth remain a leader in the production of clean energy among other states in the mid-Atlantic and South..."