Testing Results Further Support Diablo Canyon Safety and Reliability

Recent confirmatory testing has further demonstrated Diablo Canyon Power Plant remains safe to operate through 2045. Extensive prior analyses of the reactor vessels for Units 1 and 2, combined with new independent analysis for Unit 1, consistently demonstrate that both units meet the rigorous standards required for 20 more years of safe operation.

“These comprehensive findings affirm Diablo Canyon’s continued ability to deliver safe, reliable, and carbon-free electricity to nearly four million Californians, underscoring its essential role in the state’s clean energy future,” said Paula Gerfen, Diablo Canyon’s Chief Nuclear Officer and Senior Vice President.

To support extended operations of Diablo Canyon, PG&E withdrew a reactor vessel capsule, Capsule B, from Unit 1 during the Spring 2025 planned refueling outage. Capsules have been placed inside the reactor vessels and are removed for periodic testing to validate that the reactor vessels meet Nuclear Regulatory Commission criteria for remaining safe. 

PG&E is in full compliance with regulatory standards and follows industry guidance regarding reactor vessel safety. 

Diablo Canyon is the state’s largest source of clean energy, producing enough emissions-free energy to meet the needs of four million Californians. 

“We share the focus of our state’s leadership on meeting California’s clean energy goals in ways that are affordable for our customers. We also recognize the critical role that Diablo Canyon plays in this journey,” said Maureen Zawalick, Chief Risk Officer and Senior Vice President.

Extended operations will help support these goals by helping avoid added fossil fuel energy resources while lowering costs for customers as more renewables come online.

As California continues its transition to a 100% greenhouse gas-free electric grid, forecasts show that the state will need additional energy resources to meet peak electricity demand. 

Finally, without Diablo Canyon, PG&E estimates electric customers across California would pay $2 billion more in electricity costs per year, or $9 per month,  for the average PG&E electric residential customer.