Constellation seeks to extend operations at two Illinois nuclear plants by 20 years
In a request for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) expected in 2024, Constellation Energy Corporation will seek to extend operating licenses for its Clinton and Dresden nuclear power plants in Illinois by another 20 years, not long after their retirement had seemed certain.
The plants were among the five granted credits under new state laws to keep their companies from retiring them. By extending their operations another two decades, Constellation concluded that they would provide the equivalent carbon reduction benefits of taking 3.7 million gas-powered vehicles off the road annually, in addition to the nearly $40 million per year they provide in property taxes.
“To get to zero emissions in Illinois and nationally, we will need to operate every carbon-free resource we have for as long as we possibly can,” Joe Dominguez, president and CEO of Constellation, said. “With these extensions, Clinton and Dresden will further demonstrate the capability of nuclear assets to provide always-on clean energy when and where it is needed for decades to come, which is a testament to their unique value in addressing the climate crisis. We credit the Illinois policymakers, members of Congress, and other stakeholders who worked so hard to preserve these zero-carbon resources and who can be proud of their role in supporting clean, reliable energy and contributing to our nation’s energy security.”
Clinton and Dresden have maintained average run times above 90 percent, marking them as highly reliable energy sources. Under their current operating licenses, Clinton is cleared to run through April 2027, while Dresden can operate its Unit 2 until 2029 and Unit 3 until 2031. An extension would enable Clinton to operate until 2047, while Dresden’s units would get clearance until 2049 and 2051, respectively.
