NRC extends Diablo Canyon nuclear plant's operating license 20 years

The utility received backing from federal and state officials to keep the plant running past its planned 2025 shutdown.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:41am

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A bold, geometric abstract painting in muted earth tones, featuring sweeping arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conveying the structural order and energy of nuclear technology without the use of any text or symbols.An abstract visual representation of the complex systems and forces at work within California's Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, whose operating license has been extended for 20 additional years.San Luis Obispo Today

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed the operating licenses for the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in San Luis Obispo, California, for an additional 20 years. The plant's Unit 1 and Unit 2 reactors will now be able to operate until 2044 and 2045 respectively, extending the facility's lifespan well past its previously planned 2025 shutdown.

Why it matters

The extension of Diablo Canyon's operating license is a significant development in California's ongoing efforts to balance its transition to renewable energy sources with maintaining reliable electricity supply. The nuclear plant provides a major source of carbon-free power for the state, and its continued operation was supported by both federal and state officials.

The details

PG&E, the utility that operates Diablo Canyon, had previously planned to shut down the nuclear plant in 2025. However, the company received backing from the NRC as well as California Gov. Gavin Newsom to extend the plant's operating licenses for an additional 20 years. While the NRC's renewal is for a standard 20-year period, current state law only allows Diablo Canyon to operate through 2030, so further extension beyond that would require action by the California Legislature.

  • The NRC announced the license renewals on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
  • Diablo Canyon's Unit 1 reactor will now be able to operate until November 2, 2044.
  • Diablo Canyon's Unit 2 reactor will now be able to operate until August 26, 2045.

The players

Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant

A nuclear power facility located in San Luis Obispo, California that provides a significant source of carbon-free electricity for the state.

PG&E

The utility company that operates the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

The federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the operation of nuclear power plants in the United States.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who issued a statement commending the NRC's approval of the Diablo Canyon license renewals.

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What they’re saying

“Today, I welcome the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval as we continue California's clean energy transition, creating good-paying jobs, fighting climate change, and cementing the Golden State as a global powerhouse.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

What’s next

The California Legislature will need to take action to allow Diablo Canyon to operate beyond 2030, as current state law only permits the plant to run through that year.

The takeaway

The extension of Diablo Canyon's operating license is a significant development that will help California maintain reliable electricity supply as it continues its transition to renewable energy sources. However, the long-term future of the nuclear plant remains uncertain and will require further legislative action at the state level.