Energy Northwest seeks to renew 20-year license for Northwest’s only nuclear power plant

Operator applies for nuke plant license renewal

RICHLAND, Wash. — The utility that operates the Northwest’s only commercial nuclear power plant has applied for a 20-year renewal of the operating license.

Energy Northwest’s current operating license for Columbia Generating Station expires in December 2023. Renewal would allow it to operate through 2043.

The license renewal process takes more than two years and involves reviews and public hearings by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Energy Northwest CEO Vic Parrish said in a statement Tuesday that the plant has been a valuable regional energy asset for a quarter century, providing sustainable, low-cost power to Northwest residents.

The plant produces enough power for one million homes.