-May 23,2022-
The U.S. Department of Energy last week announced that it has extended the deadline for nuclear power plants to apply for federal funding to July 5. PG&E owns and operates Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant and would be the entity to apply for this funding.
The U.S. Department of Energy extended the deadline for applications and sealed bid submissions under the $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) Program. The CNC program supports the continued operation of U.S. nuclear reactors, the nation’s largest source of clean, emissions-free electricity.
Owners or operators of nuclear reactors most at risk of premature closure due to economic hardship have 47 more days to submit applications for certification and sealed bids for credits. The deadline for the first CNC award cycle is now 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on July 5, 2022.
“The Civil Nuclear Credit program will help the United States meet our climate goals while protecting jobs and the communities that depend on these plants,” said Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Dr. Kathryn Huff. “We received a request to extend the application period, which could keep at-risk reactors online, delivering much needed clean energy to the grid.”
Back in California ,a spokesperson for the Governor’s Office suggested Gov Newsom wanted to close the plant long term but for now wanted to keep options open.
“The Governor supports keeping all options on the table as we build out our plan to ensure reliable energy this summer and beyond. This includes considering the possibility of a limited term extension to Diablo Canyon, which continues to be an important resource as we transition to clean energy. The grant program’s extended deadline is helpful in that context.
In the long term, the Governor continues to support the closure of Diablo Canyon as we transition to clean energy while ensuring the reliability of our energy grid.”