The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has granted licence extensions to three nuclear reactors located in Illinois, extending their operational life by an additional 20 years. Clinton unit 1, a 1,062 megawatt electric (MWe) boiling water reactor (BWR), is now licensed to operate until April 2047. Dresden units 2 and 3, also BWRs with capacities of 894 MWe and 879 MWe respectively, are authorised to operate until December 2049 and January 2051.
Technical investments to ensure performance
Constellation, the operator of the three reactors, reported investing more than $370mn in the re-licensing process. At Clinton, two new auxiliary transformers and two next-generation equipment chillers have been installed to improve system reliability. The plant’s condensate polisher system has also been upgraded to limit component degradation. At Dresden, the site is now equipped with an advanced feedwater level control system and a new main transformer featuring real-time electrical system monitoring capabilities.
Clinton supported by long-term industrial contract
Constellation stated that while the renewed licences legally permit operation through 2051, actual operations will depend on each plant’s financial viability. At Clinton, a 20-year power supply agreement signed with Meta in August secures continued operation following the end of the state’s Zero Emission Credit programme in May 2027.
A strong signal for the US nuclear industry
According to the NRC, these licence renewals are part of 13 similar approvals issued this year, reflecting an effort to streamline regulatory processes while maintaining safety standards. The agency estimates that the combined output of the three reactors over the next two decades will exceed 12 gigawatts, enough to supply nearly 10 million households.
