The Peach Bottom generating station. Source: Exelon

Exelon says that it will ask the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to extend the operating license for its Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station for another 20 years.

Exelon says it will notify the NRC of its intent to file the formal application later this year, with a decision expected by 2020 or 2021. Peach Bottom’s two current operating licenses will expire in 2033 and 2034. If approved, the extended operating license would allow the plant to operate until 2053 and 2054. Peach Bottom employs more than 800 people.

The Philadelphia Electric Co. ordered Peach Bottom 1 in 1958. It was an experimental helium-cooled, graphite-moderated reactor and operated from 1966 to 1974.

Two other units, General Electric boiling water reactors, entered service in 1974 and had nameplate capacities of 1,180 megawatts each. Earlier in 2018 both units were uprated to 1,382 MW.

U.S. nuclear energy facilities are initially licensed to operate for 40 years. An NRC rule allows license holders to apply for extensions of up to 20 years after the initial 40-year term.

Exelon says the NRC’s license renewal process will take many years and will include a review of the plant’s design and safety systems, as well as a public comment period.

Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station is located on the west bank of the Conowingo Pond (on the Susquehanna River) in York County, Penn.