A thousand workers faced unemployment as the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in California became scheduled to cease commercial operations in 2024. The power plant provided 9% of the total California power generation.
On January 17, 2024, the future of the power plant was saved. The DOE announced the signing of the credit award and payment for $1.1 billion in credit payments through the Civil Nuclear Credit Program for the plant to stay in operation.
Diablo Canyon Power Plant is not the only power plant that has faced closure. The shift of the energy market has led to the unprecedented early closures of 13 commercial nuclear power reactors in the last decade. These are not projected to be the last closures, with more at-risk facilities likely to retire in the coming years. The closing of these nuclear power plants results in an increase of air pollutants due to other types of power plants with higher air pollutants typically fill that void.
In order to combat this problem, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has invested $6 billion in the Civil Nuclear Credit Program. This new program allows for owner or operators of commercial reactors in the U.S. to apply for certification to bid on credits that would support them continuing to operate. The applicants must also demonstrate that the closure of the reactor would lead to a rise in air pollutants.
Credits are allocated to the reactors over a four-year period beginning on the date selected. Credits can be awarded through September 20, 2031 if funds remain available. Applicants for the award cycle 2 has closed but was open to owners or operators of nuclear reactors that are risk of closure by the end of the four year award period, including reactors that closed after November 15, 2021.
Tagged with DOE, electrification, electrifiED