So what should Californians know about the state’s reliance on nuclear power? - Diablo Canyon supplies enough power for 3 million people - California gets nuclear power from out of state, too - Hurdles remain to keeping the plant open
Twelve commercial reactors have closed in the past decade, including in New York, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Iowa. Yet Oregon-based NuScale Power recently gained approval to build test reactors in Idaho in 2029 and 2030., including some from coal-fired plants that are larges sources of greenhouse gases, according to the California Energy Commission.
“Electricity reliability for California is a main priority,” said spokesperson Terrie Prosper. “Extending the operation of Diablo Canyon will require examination by the CPUC.” Nuclear plants require water as a cooling mechanism to prevent them from overheating. That water is often released back into the ocean at a much higher temperature that could damage marine habitats.