Sustaining U.S. Nuclear Power Plants Could be Key to Decarbonization (IMAGE)

DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Sustaining U.S. Nuclear Power Plants Could be Key to Decarbonization

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The Diablo Canyon Power Plant—California’s last operating nuclear power plant—was slated in 2018 to be fully shut down by 2025. Following drastic heat waves and rolling blackouts, however, California lawmakers realized the state would not meet its decarbonization goals and electricity needs without nuclear power. They agreed in 2022 to keep Diablo Canyon operating for five more years. Operated by Pacific Gas & Electric, Diablo Canyon generates 18,000 gigawatt-hours annually—6 percent of California’s energy in 2022.

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(Photo: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

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