The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has approved implementation of an Extended Power Uprate (EPU) project that increases the output of Columbia Generating Station (CGS), owned by Energy Northwest. The EPU is an approximately $700m project that will increase the station’s electrical output by 162 MWe. CGS is the region’s third largest generating resource and only operating nuclear plant. Energy Northwest intends to submit a licence amendment request for EPU to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2028.
Following 18 months of in-depth analysis, BPA’s approval allows the project to move into its next phase. Over the next six years, Energy Northwest and BPA will collaborate on planning and implementation. Once completed in 2031, the additional 162 MWe of firm capacity could power approximately 125,000 homes, strengthening the Pacific Northwest’s energy portfolio.
“We applaud BPA for its decision to approve this project and for its strategic vision in advancing our region’s future with additional reliable capacity that nuclear energy can provide,” said Bob Schuetz, Energy Northwest CEO. “Their leadership in supporting this initiative underscores a commitment to affordable electricity for the Northwest region, including our public power member utilities and their customers.”
John Hairston, BPA administrator and CEO said this is a great value for ratepayers in the Pacific Northwest. “Upgrading an existing resource to provide additional reliable energy will help BPA keep pace with its customers’ growing electricity needs and keep rates low.”
The single unit 1,207 MWe CGS near Richland, Washington, that began operation in 1984, comprises a General Electric designed boiling water reactor and nuclear steam supply system. The EPU will increase electrical output by upgrading and replacing equipment, including turbines, heat exchangers and the generator, while maintaining high safety standards and improving reliability. The project will involve approximately 30 individual upgrades, primarily focused on increasing the size of pumps and motors. These enhancements coincide with biennial refuelling outages, creating new job opportunities for skilled workers.
Alongside the EPU, energy efficiency upgrades incorporated during the next three refuelling outages in 2027, 2029 and 2031 are expected to add 24 MWe of output capacity, bringing the total increase to 186 MWe. This expanded capacity will be added to BPA’s federal system power, serving consumer-owned utilities across six Northwest states.
The EPU project marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Energy Northwest and BPA. The combined efforts of both organisations will ensure that the Pacific Northwest continues to benefit from affordable and secure electricity.
“President Trump and Secretary Wright have made it clear: expanding America’s nuclear energy capacity will be essential for meeting growing demand for affordable, reliable and secure energy,” said Michael Goff, Department of Energy (DOE) acting undersecretary for infrastructure. “This project exemplifies the energy vision for America by unleashing new power generation for the people of the Pacific Northwest without raising costs.”
The Columbia Generating Station (CGS), formerly known as WNP-2, is sited on land leased from DOE on the Hanford Site. The total area of the project is 1089 acres. The Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS), now Energy Northwest, filed an application with the state in 1971 for construction and operation of WNP-2. Hearings were held during that year and a Site Certification Agreement (SCA) was approved by the Governor in 1972. WPPSS also received construction and operating licences from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the plant. The Operating Licence expires in 2043.
