The Economics of Continued Operation of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, 2030-2045

John E. Parsons

April 2026

Should the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant’s (DCPP) operating life be extended to 2045? In 2022, Senate Bill 846 (SB 846) authorized a potential five year extension from 2025 to 2030. However, on April 2, 2026 the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a twenty year license extension to 2045. The question is whether the state should agree to extend the plant’s operation to 2045 in alignment with its NRC license.

This Research Commentary is written to inform public deliberation on such an extension. This analysis focuses on the economic costs and benefits of continued plant operation, understanding that these are only one aspect of the larger question.