SUBSEQUENT LICENSE RENEWAL IN THE US

As of January 2015, the NRC has renewed the operating licenses for 75 nuclear units, allowing for up to 60 years of safe operation. In addition, the NRC has license renewal applications under review for 19 units and 5 additional units have announced plans to submit applications over the next few years. This brings the total of renewed licenses and plans for renewal to almost 100% of the operating nuclear units in the U.S. At the end of 2014 there were 38 nuclear plants that had operated for more than 40 years and are eligible to seek a second license renewal (or 38% of the operating units). [1] Although some nuclear plant owners have shutdown operation recently and others have announced plans to shutdown before reaching 60 years, the majority are keeping the option open for long term operation beyond 60 years. NRC and the U.S. nuclear industry have made significant progress in preparing the way for second license renewal applications. For example, in October 2014, 7 nuclear units were identified as the leading candidates for subsequent license renewal in a New York Times news article. This paper presents the status of the issues being addressed for possible applications for second license renewals for up to 80 years of operation.