Thursday, August 29, 2024

NRC Renews North Anna Operating Licenses for a Second Time

Nuclear Regulatory Commission - News Release
No: 24-067 August 28, 2024
CONTACT: Scott Burnell, 301-415-8200

NRC Renews North Anna Operating Licenses for a Second Time

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed for a second time the operating licenses of North Anna Power Station Units 1 and 2 for an additional 20 years.

The North Anna units are pressurized-water reactors located in Louisa County, Virginia, about 40 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia. Unit 1’s operating license will now expire April 1, 2058, and Unit 2’s will expire on August 21, 2060.

The NRC’s review of the application from Virginia Electric and Power Co., a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, proceeded on two tracks. A safety evaluation report was issued in January 2022, and a final environmental impact statement was issued in July 2024. These documents, as well as other information regarding the North Anna subsequent license renewal application, are available on the NRCwebsite.

The NRC’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board terminated the adjudicatory proceeding regarding the application in July 2024, concluding that no contested matters remained before it for resolution. The Board’s decision has been appealed to the Commission. NRC regulations allow the licenses to be issued while an appeal is pending. The Commission retains the ability to act on the appeal and, as needed, direct additional staff action on the licenses.

With the renewal of the North Anna licenses, eight commercial nuclear power reactors have received subsequent renewed licenses (authorizing operations from 60 to 80 years). Seven applications for subsequent license renewal are currently under review.

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