FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (FENOC) has received a licence extension from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its 908MW Davis-Besse nuclear power station in the US.
The 20-year extension, which has been given after safety and environmental reviews by the commission, will allow the plant to operate until 2037.
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FENOC submitted a licence renewal application to the NRC in 2010 as the plant’s original license will expire on 22 April 2017.
FirstEnergy Generation executive vice president and president James H. Lash said: “Today’s NRC decision is another key milestone that helps ensure the continued operation of a vital baseload power plant in Ohio.
“The licence extension secures an important source of carbon-free power for our region while providing thousands of family-sustaining jobs and significant financial support for the community.”
Davis-Besse is the 81st nuclear reactor in the US to receive a licence extension from the NRC.
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By GlobalDataFirstEnergy invested nearly $1bn for the installation of a new reactor head in 2011, and two new steam generators in 2013 at the nuclear power plant.
The Davis-Besse station employs more than 700 highly trained professionals.
It generates electricity enough to power more than one million households, while reducing more than 7.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Davis-Besse vice-president Brian Boles said: “This achievement is the result of making the right investments in our facilities as well as our people, who are dedicated to the safe and efficient operation of this plant.
“I am very proud of our employees who have worked to ensure that the plant remains a key asset to the company, which can deliver safe, reliable, clean and affordable electricity for many years to come.”
Image: Davis-Besse nuclear power station cooling tower. Photo: courtesy of Gregory Varnum / Wikipedia.
