At a gathering of nuclear professionals and enthusiasts in Anaheim a few months ago, the conversation about the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (the last working nuclear reactor in California) was incredibly hopeful. It’s become a thing.
Held in the shadow of Mickey Mouse, the American Atomic Energy Society’s four-day convention couldn’t have picked a better place to lift your spirits. And no one had a bigger smile than Gene Nelson.It’s not just his towering stature, but his signature headband and his ability to run Diablo Canyon beyond its planned closure by the end of 2025. His long-running campaign to continue.
“We thought our chances were zero,” Nelson, California’s government liaison for green nuclear power, told conference attendees about efforts to keep nuclear power in the state. told to “What has happened since then is like a snowball.”
Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing the snowball. Diablo: He didn’t think Canyon supporters would be able to overcome the many challenges of keeping the power plant running, but much has changed, and these hurdles are being swallowed up by the growing clean energy movement. There seems to be
This month, Newsom provided plant owner Pacific Gas and Electric with a $1.4 billion waiverable loan and proposed steps to resolve permits, licenses and cost issues. The California legislature needs to pass a bill and sign it in September to make the whole idea a reality.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy has provided $6 billion to help nuclear power plant owners keep their existing facilities running.
But some bigger obstacles remain. It was to receive an extension of the license from the Nuclear Regulation Authority to ensure that the facility, which was commissioned in 1985, meets current standards. There is also state approval by the California Land Commission to lease the site to PG&E, the State Water Resources Board, the California Coastal Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission.
And then there is the settlement agreement that guided the factory closure.
Siva Gunda, member of the California Energy Commission, said: “We have to go through a quick process.”
Gunda announced in a public conversation earlier this month the prospect of continuing operations at Diablo, which produces about 9% of the state’s electricity.
A concern raised by Gunda and other energy officials is that Diablo is needed to ensure grid reliability as climate change contributes to extreme weather events and disasters. . Current models used to determine power supply and demand could see potential power shortages between 2025 and 2030 after Diablo’s planned closure. But critics say the model doesn’t reflect the real-world impact of distributed resources like rooftop solar and home batteries, or current consumption trends.
“If all goes well, I think we’ll be fine,” Gunda said of plans to meet future power demand. That’s it.”
Nelson and Diablo supporters say it’s a good bet, but Newsom’s office has promised the extension will be for a limited time. said at a recent workshop: “It has to be safe.”
But the rapid snowballing of extensions raises questions about voiding the settlement agreement and security.
“By deciding to decommission two Diablo Canyon units in 2016 to coincide with the expiration of their licenses, PG&E has We have resolved the environmental risks.” Peace, who was a party to the settlement agreement to close the facility.
Even the authors of the Stanford and MIT reports supporting the expansion of Diablo Canyon pointed out that one of the two units had to be taken offline in 2020. That is why some people urge caution.
Najmedin Meshkati, an engineering professor at the University of Southern California who has toured many nuclear power plants around the world, said: “The word safety only happens to come up once.
Ivan Penn is a business correspondent for The Times covering alternative energy. He is based in Los Angeles.
what you get
For $1.5 million: an Arts and Crafts Bungalow in Pasadena, a 1978 ranch house in Solvang, and a 1903 Edwardian house in Berkeley.
travel destination
Today’s tip comes from Bruce Buzalski, who recommends Bay Area National Monuments.
“My favorite place in California is Muir WoodsThe trees are so majestic, and the moist breeze that touches each one as you travel through the forest whispers to you in a soft, soothing voice. The scent of deep forest is heaven. ”
What is your favorite place in California? Email your suggestions to CAtoday@nytimes.com. We will share more information in future editions of the newsletter.
tell me
Parents, Children and Teachers: How do you feel about the start of the new school year?
Email CAtoday@nytimes.com With your hopes, fears and stories. Please enter your name and the city where you live.
And some good news before you go
“Sneakers” isn’t the most cinematic or funny movie in San Francisco cinema history. But with a cast that includes Sidney Poitier, Robert Redford, and River Phoenix, the Caper movie is a very good hang.
The 1992 film about a ragtag group of hackers celebrates its 30th anniversary on September 9th. The San Francisco Chronicle reports:
“It has a plot driven by outdated technology and came out in theaters at a time when everything but grunge music and Michael Jordan dunks hadn’t aged well. With the exception of women’s haircuts, all performances, wardrobe decisions, and grooming choices are timeless.