PSEG Nuclear LLC, a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., has submitted applications to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to extend the operating licenses of its Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations by 20 years. Salem is a dual unit station with a generating capacity of 2,345 MW. Salem Unit 1’s current 40 year operating license expires in 2016 with Unit 2’s operating license expiring in 2020.

Hope Creek is a single unit station with a generating capacity of 1,211 MW. Its original operating license expires in 2026.

PSEG Nuclear is located on a 740-acre site in Lower Alloways Creek, Salem county. The three nuclear units generate enough power for approximately three million homes each day.

“License renewal is part of our ongoing commitment to provide safe, reliable, economic and green energy to New Jersey and the region,” said Tom Joyce, president and chief nuclear officer of PSEG Nuclear. “Last year, we replaced our steam generators at Salem Unit 2 and implemented an extended power uprate at Hope Creek, adding approximately 200 MW of clean power. This filing is the next logical step in ensuring clean nuclear energy is available for the state and region for years to come.”

In New Jersey, nuclear power has quietly played a leading role in meeting our energy needs. In fact, over 50% of the state’s electricity comes from nuclear power. With a commitment to operational excellence and New Jersey’s energy needs, PSEG Nuclear’s three nuclear units have each set new generation records the past three years.

Salem and Hope Creek are subject to an ongoing, rigorous program of oversight and inspection by the NRC, led by four full-time inspectors at the stations, as well as supplemental inspectors from the NRC regional headquarters. The plants also have their own extensive programs in preventive and corrective maintenance, equipment testing and monitoring and equipment replacement.

Under the Atomic Energy Act, the NRC originally issued licenses for commercial nuclear reactors for 40 years. This timeframe was based on the amortization period generally used by electric utility companies for large capital investments.

To date, 54 nuclear units in the US have been granted a license extension with an additional 19 units (including Salem and Hope Creek) having submitted applications that are in different stages of the NRC’s license renewal process. Under NRC licensing guidelines, companies can not submit an application for life extension until a plant has been operational for 20 years.

The NRC is expected to spend 22 to 30 months to review PSEG Nuclear’s applications before making a decision.