Dominion Energy plans another 20 years of operation for Virginia nuclear power station

Dominion Energy of Virginia filed for an extension of its operating licenses at the North Anna Power Station last week, opening the possibility of another 20 years of use out of the nuclear power plant.

“Our application to renew North Anna Power Station’s licenses for another 20-year period is good news for our customers, the regional economy, and the environment,” Dan Stoddard, Dominion Energy’s Chief Nuclear Officer, said. “Our customers will benefit from continuing to receive safe, reliable, affordable, and carbon-free electricity from the station through 2060.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has already extended the station’s licenses once, in 2003. Its original remits ran out 40-year terms that began in 1978 and 1980. North Anna consists of two 1892 MW nuclear units capable of powering 473,000 homes and, when combined with a fellow nuclear plant in Surry County, represents 31 percent of the electricity Dominion Energy provides to its customers.

All told, the extensions would allow for North Anna to operate until 2060. Without, its units could operate to 2038 and 2040, respectively.
“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,” Stoddard said. “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. It supports more than 900 high-paying jobs at the station and produces additional economic and tax benefits.”