The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a standard 40-year operating license to Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station on Dec. 20, 1983. On Jan. 19, 2010, Energy Northwest submitted an application to the NRC to renew Columbia's license for an additional 20 years. Once approved, the new license begins upon expiration of the original license in 2023. After the NRC accepts the application, the commission will undertake a comprehensive safety review and thorough environmental assessment of the plant facilities, equipment and operations.
Energy Northwest's recent review of plant systems and equipment identified no technical issues that would prevent the plant from obtaining consideration for a license renewal.
Once the formal review for license renewal effort is underway by the NRC, the commission will schedule public meetings to explain the process and solicit public input.
The NRC's license renewal process typically takes two to 2 1/2 years.
Additional information on the U.S. nuclear power plants license renewal process is available on the NRC Website