California Regulators Approve Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Extension to 2045

The state's last nuclear power plant will continue operating for two more decades, providing critical clean energy to millions of Californians.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:22pm

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An extreme aerial photograph of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, with its nuclear reactors and cooling towers arranged in a precise, repeating geometric pattern that conveys the immense scale and technical complexity of this critical energy infrastructure.The Diablo Canyon Power Plant, California's last remaining nuclear facility, will continue operating for two more decades after regulators approved a multi-year extension to its lifespan.San Luis Obispo Today

California regulators have approved a multi-decade extension for the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, the state's last remaining nuclear power facility. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted the plant permission to operate until 2045, overriding previous plans to shutter it by 2030 under pressure from environmental groups. The extension ensures Diablo Canyon will continue providing around 8.5% of California's total electricity and nearly 20% of its clean energy supply to approximately 4 million residents.

Why it matters

The continued operation of Diablo Canyon is crucial for California's energy security and efforts to combat climate change. With the state's ambitious renewable energy targets, the loss of this major source of carbon-free power would have strained the grid and likely led to higher energy costs for consumers. The extension allows California to maintain a reliable electricity supply as it transitions to a greener energy mix.

The details

In 2016, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the plant's operator, announced plans to close Diablo Canyon by 2024. However, a 2022 California Senate bill pushed the closure date to 2030. The latest approval from federal regulators will now allow the plant to run until 2045, providing continued clean energy to the state. Diablo Canyon accounts for nearly 20% of California's renewable energy generation and 10% of its total electricity supply.

  • In 2016, PG&E announced plans to close Diablo Canyon by 2024.
  • In 2022, a California Senate bill moved the closure date to 2030.
  • On April 3, 2026, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved the extension of Diablo Canyon's operations until 2045.

The players

Diablo Canyon Power Plant

California's last remaining nuclear power facility, located in San Luis Obispo Bay. The plant provides around 8.5% of the state's total electricity and nearly 20% of its clean energy supply.

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)

The operator of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. In 2016, PG&E announced plans to close the facility by 2024, but a 2022 state law pushed the closure date to 2030.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The federal agency that approved the extension of Diablo Canyon's operations until 2045, overriding the previous 2030 closure date.

California State Legislature

The state legislature still needs to approve the 2045 extension for Diablo Canyon to continue operating.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who celebrated the extension of Diablo Canyon's operations as essential for the state's energy reliability and climate goals.

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What they’re saying

“When the Legislature and I partnered to extend Diablo Canyon's operation past 2025, we made a commitment to Californians that tackling extreme weather and supporting a reliable grid are essential to building a safe, affordable, and resilient future for our state.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

What’s next

The California state legislature still needs to approve the 2045 extension for the Diablo Canyon Power Plant to continue operating.

The takeaway

The extension of Diablo Canyon's operations until 2045 is a critical step for California to maintain a reliable and clean energy supply as it works towards its ambitious renewable energy goals. The continued operation of the state's last nuclear power plant will help avoid potential blackouts and energy price spikes, while also supporting the state's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.