How does subsequent license renewal relate to the restart of nuclear power plants?

There are 21 additional units that have formally notified the NRC of planned SLR application submittals in the 2025–2027 time frame, with additional units planned in the years beyond 2027. The success of the applications to date has set the stage for future application submittals, demonstrating that nuclear power plants can be licensed for 80 years of operation pending any site-specific operating experience issues.

The nuclear plant restart process from a decommissioning status consists of gaining NRC approval to restore the licensing basis of a plant to an operational status, returning plant components to a status that supports safe operation, and making any upgrades necessary to meet the proposed operational licensing basis.

The Crane Clean Energy Center, Duane Arnold Energy Center, and Palisades nuclear plant all have expressed interest in returning to operational status and resuming commercial operations after ceasing operations in 2019, 2020, and 2022, respectively. These three plants have also notified the NRC of the intent to submit SLR applications in the 2025–2029 time frame.

SLR is essential for companies considering the restart of nuclear power plants. Palisades, Crane, and Duane Arnold each have fewer than 10 years remaining in their current operating licenses. SLR provides the assurance that plant operations can continue for an additional 20 years, years 61–80 years of operation. Substantial financial investments are required to return plants to operational status. Obtaining a renewed license provides the assurance that the investments made to restart these plants will prove to be financially beneficial for the utility.

Additionally, companies that are building data centers have identified nuclear power as a viable power source, because these data facilities require a continuous and substantial power supply, often exceeding 500 megawatts, to store and process large amounts of data. For these companies to invest in building data centers with dedicated nuclear power plant supply, an SLR is a key component in providing assurance of continued power operation for an additional 20 years.