US Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) subsidiary PSEG Nuclear has notified the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that it intends to seek subsequent licence renewal (SLR) for the units 1&2 of the Salem Generating Station and the Hope Creek Generating Station. Together these produce nearly half of New Jersey’s electricity and 85% of the state’s carbon-free generation. The three nuclear plants are co-located on one site on the Artificial Island in Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County.
PSEG Nuclear informed NRC that it expects to submit the application for extension in the second quarter of 2027, which would initiate an approximate two-year comprehensive NRC review and approval process to help ensure the continued delivery of 3,468 MWe of carbon-free generation. This early notification is intended to provide NRC with time to ensure resource availability when the formal applications are submitted. If approved by NRC, the licence renewal applications for the PSEG operated Salem 1&2 would be extended from 2036 and 2040 to 2056 and 2060, respectively. The licence for Hope Creek station would be extended from the current 2046 expiration to 2066.
"For more than five decades, the nuclear generating stations in South Jersey have safely generated reliable, always-on carbon-free energy”, said Charles (Chaz) McFeaters, PSEG Nuclear President and Chief Nuclear Officer. “Seeking to renew our licences signifies our commitment to continuing to contribute to New Jersey’s clean energy future and serving as a vital economic engine for the local community. I’d like to recognize Congressman Bill Pascrell, the author of the federal nuclear production tax credit legislation in Congress, without which we would not be considering these investments in the site."
Maria Korsnick, President and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute, noted: "As we navigate the complexities of climate change and energy independence, nuclear energy's significant contribution to clean, always-on power is paramount. PSEG's commitment to license renewal underscores the pivotal role nuclear plays in shaping our clean energy future.”
Beginning in 2024, the nuclear Production Tax Credit (PTC) under the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will provide nuclear generators with nine years of financial support until 2032. PSEG said this influenced its decision to retain and grow its nuclear fleet via prudent capital investments. More than $100m in nuclear capital investment projects have already been approved and are in progress. These include plant upgrades and a transition to a two-year operating cycle at Hope Creek.
PSEG Nuclear is also developing detailed plans to implement power uprates for both Salem units and to upgrade and optimise the nuclear fleet’s turbine generator trains, which would enable the units to generate more megawatts per year. “Finally, we are tracking progress in the United States nuclear industry to transition both Salem units to two-year operating cycles, when feasible,” PSEG said.
The two pressurised water reactors at Salem began commercial operation in 1976 (and 1980 and the boiling water reactor at Hope Creek in 1986. The stations obtained their first 20-year operating licence renewals from the NRC in 2011. The units had all been under threat of premature closure before New Jersey passed the Zero Emissions Certificate Law in 2018, enabling the state to recognise and compensate eligible NPPs for their zero-carbon attributes and contribution to fuel diversity.
Image: Hope Creek Generating Station
