Diablo Canyon, California's Last Nuclear Plant, Wins 20-Year License Extension

The hulking facility provides 9% of the state's electricity and will remain open until 2045 after years of debate over safety and climate impact.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A bold, geometric abstract painting in muted green, blue, and brown tones, depicting the complex systems and natural forces at play within a nuclear power plant through sweeping arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conveying the structural order and environmental impact of this essential energy infrastructure.An abstract illustration captures the intricate systems and natural forces at work within California's last operating nuclear power plant, a critical component of the state's clean energy transition.Santa Cruz Today

Federal officials have renewed the license for Diablo Canyon, California's last remaining nuclear power plant, guaranteeing it will remain open for another 20 years until 2045. The plant, located on the San Luis Obispo coast, provides 9% of the state's electricity and was previously scheduled to close in 2025. However, after recent heat waves strained the power grid, state leaders pushed to keep the facility running as California continues to expand renewable energy sources.

Why it matters

Diablo Canyon's continued operation is a significant milestone for California's energy landscape and climate goals. The plant provides a steady source of carbon-free power during the state's transition to renewable energy, helping to ensure grid reliability and avoid blackouts. However, some anti-nuclear groups remain concerned about earthquake risks and the plant's environmental impact, setting up a potential battle over its long-term future.

The details

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted Diablo Canyon a 20-year license renewal on Thursday, allowing the plant to operate until 2045. This comes after state lawmakers passed a law in 2022 directing the plant's owner, PG&E, to pursue the license extension and providing a $1.4 billion state loan to cover upgrade and relicensing costs. To operate beyond 2030, PG&E will need further approval from the state Legislature, which could face opposition from anti-nuclear groups.

  • In 2020 and 2021, heat waves strained California's power grid and caused brief blackouts.
  • In 2022, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law directing PG&E to pursue Diablo Canyon's license extension.
  • On Thursday, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted Diablo Canyon a 20-year license renewal until 2045.

The players

Diablo Canyon

California's last remaining nuclear power plant, located on the San Luis Obispo coast and providing 9% of the state's electricity.

PG&E

The owner and operator of Diablo Canyon, which received a $1.4 billion state loan to cover upgrade and relicensing costs.

Gov. Gavin Newsom

The California governor who pushed for Diablo Canyon's license extension to help ensure grid reliability and support the state's clean energy transition.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The federal agency that granted Diablo Canyon a 20-year license renewal, allowing the plant to operate until 2045.

Haakon Williams

The executive director of the Committee to Bridge the Gap, an anti-nuclear group that has vowed to fight Diablo Canyon's continued operation.

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What they’re saying

“As California advances its clean energy and reliability goals, Diablo Canyon remains a stabilizing force on a dynamic grid. It provides a steady source of carbon-free power during a period of rapid transition, supporting climate objectives while ensuring that the lights stay on at homes and businesses across the state.”

— John Groom, Acting Director of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission

“Tackling extreme weather and supporting a reliable grid are essential to building a safe, affordable, and resilient future for our state. Today, I welcome the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval as we continue California's clean energy transition.”

— Gov. Gavin Newsom

“We're disappointed and concerned. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission was always more beholden to industry than it should be. This shouldn't be received as an assurance of the plant's safety.”

— Haakon Williams, Executive Director, Committee to Bridge the Gap

“At a time when California is trying to grow its economy, bring down costs and lead on climate, we cannot afford to lose power that is clean, stable and always available. This facility does something incredibly important. It keeps the lights on when demand is high, when renewables aren't enough and when reliability matters most. That's not theoretical. That's essential infrastructure.”

— John Grubb, Interim President and CEO, Bay Area Council

“Diablo Canyon meets the highest standards of nuclear safety and environmental protection. They are saying we are safe and we are environmentally sound and it doesn't get any better than that.”

— Paula Gerfen, Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer, PG&E

What’s next

To operate beyond 2030, PG&E will need further approval from the state Legislature, which could face opposition from anti-nuclear groups concerned about earthquake risks and environmental impacts.

The takeaway

Diablo Canyon's license extension is a critical step for California as it balances its clean energy goals with the need for reliable power during the state's transition away from fossil fuels. While the decision has drawn praise from state leaders and business groups, it also raises ongoing concerns about nuclear safety and the plant's long-term future.