The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has granted a 20-year extension for the operating licences of Comanche Peak units 1 and 2.
These pressurised water reactors, which commenced operations in 1990 and 1993 respectively, have received their first licence renewals.
Application and Evaluation Process
Vistra, the company that operates Comanche Peak, submitted an application for this 20-year extension to the NRC in 2022.
The NRC’s evaluation process included a safety evaluation report issued in March and a final supplemental environmental impact statement released in April.
Both evaluations concluded that there were no environmental impacts preventing the renewal of the licences for an additional two decades.
NRC Licensing Authority
Under the US Atomic Energy Act, the NRC is empowered to issue licences for commercial power reactors for up to 40 years.
This timeframe is based on economic and antitrust factors rather than technological limitations. These licences can be renewed for an additional 20 years, allowing for a potential operating lifetime of 60 years.
New Expiry Dates for Comanche Peak Units
Following this renewal, Comanche Peak unit 1’s operating licence is now set to expire in February 2050, while unit 2’s licence will expire in February 2053.
Status of Other Nuclear Plants
Most of the nuclear reactors currently operating in the USA have either renewed or applied to renew their licences for extended operation.
Comanche Peak is the third of Vistra’s four nuclear plants to secure a licence extension, following Beaver Valley and Davis-Besse.
In 2023, Vistra submitted a licence renewal application for the single-unit Perry nuclear power plant, which is currently under NRC review.
Additionally, the NRC is reviewing applications for Exelon’s Clinton and Pacific Gas & Electric’s two-unit Diablo Canyon, with a renewal application for Tennessee Valley Authority’s Watts Bar unit 1 expected in 2026.
Importance of Nuclear Power
Jim Burke, president and CEO of Vistra, emphasized the critical role of reliable power sources like Comanche Peak amidst increasing electricity demand.
“Reliable sources of power, like Comanche Peak, are going to be absolutely essential to meeting that need,” he stated.
Burke highlighted the concurrent growth in electricity demand and the transition to cleaner energy sources, noting the retirement of many fossil fuel plants.
He stressed that extending the operation of nuclear plants supports both the existing economy and growing sectors by providing stable electricity.
Economic and Local Benefits
Located about 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Texas, Comanche Peak’s extended operation promises continued economic advantages for the local area.
The plant employs over 600 full-time staff and more than 200 permanent contractors, with an additional 800-1200 contractors brought in during refuelling outages. Furthermore, the plant contributes over $30 million annually in state and local taxes, underscoring its economic significance.