US utility Dominion Energy has filed an application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to renew operating licences of the North Anna nuclear power plant in Virginia for an additional 20 years. This will be a second renewal of its licences, beyond the original 40-yearterms that were granted in 1978 and 1980 with a first extension granted in 2003.
Dominion Energy filed a similar application to renew the licences of two reactors at the Surry nuclear plant in Virginia, in 2018. NRC is currently reviewing that application.
"Renewing the licences for both of our nuclear units in Virginia is critical to the company meeting the Virginia Clean Economy Act's requirements for zero-carbon electricity by 2045 as well as the company's net zero by 2050 commitment,” said Dan Stoddard, Dominion Energy's chief nuclear officer.
The North Anna units were originally licensed to operate for 40 years. The first licence extension in 2003, followed a stringent review process authorised under federal law. Under its current licences, North Anna 1&2 can continue to provide electricity to customers until 2038 and 2040, respectively. With renewed licences, the units may operate to 2058 and 2060.
The reactors at North Anna Power Station are both three-loop Westinghouse pressurised water reactors. North Anna 1 has a net capacity of 903MWe and unit 2, 972MWe net.
