The US nuclear regulator has approved Dominion Energy ’s application to extend the operating licence of its 973 MW V.C. Summer nuclear power station in South Carolina until 2062.
The V.C. Summer nuclear power station was originally licensed to operate for 40 years from 1982 to 2022. In 2004, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a licence renewal to allow operation for 20 more years until 2042. With the receipt of this second renewal licence, the unit can continue to operate until 2062.
President Donald Trump signed executive orders in late May that directed the NRC to reduce the regulations on extending the operational life of reactors and to fast-track the approval of new licences.
Dominion Energy also plans to seek NRC approval to extend the operating licence for the 2 GW Millstone Power Station in Connecticut.