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Washington (Platts)–15 Sep 2016 Alexander, meanwhile, focused on issues related to the continued operation of US power reactors. The US now has 99 licensed operating reactors; that will increase to 100 when Tennessee Valley Authority’s Watts Bar 2 in Spring City, Tennessee, starts commercial operation.

By 2038, 48 US reactors will be at least 60 years old, Alexander said, adding that the country would lose about half of its reactor fleet if their NRC operating licenses are not extended beyond 60 years. NRC’s initial operating licenses for power reactors are for 40 years. Most units have received, or are seeking, a 20-year license renewal, putting their total operating time at 60 years.

Exelon Generation said June 7 it will seek a second 20-year renewal, also known as a subsequent license renewal, of its NRC operating license for the Peach Bottom units 2 and 3 boiling water reactors in Delta, Pennsylvania. If NRC approves the renewal, the Peach Bottom units would be licensed to operate for a total of up to 80 years.

Exelon’s announcement came after Dominion said in November that it plans to seek subsequent license renewal for the two pressurized water reactors at its Surry station in Virginia.

–Elaine Hiruo, elaine.hiruo@spglobal.com

–Edited by Valarie Jackson, valarie.jackson@spglobal.com http://www.platts.com/latest-news/electric-power/washington/progress-on-waste-issue-key-to-support-for-nuclear-21519625