Vistra Secures 20-Year Extension for Ohio Power Plant Operations

Vistra Corp. has secured a 20-year extension for its Ohio power plant, further extending the plant's operational life. This move is likely to boost the company's electricity generation capacity, potentially benefiting from the extension of the plant's operational life.

Vistra Corp. (NYSE: VST) has received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to extend the operation of its Perry Nuclear Power Plant through 2046, an additional 20 years beyond its original license [1]. This approval marks a significant milestone for the company, as it now has all six of its reactors licensed to operate for a total of 60 years.

The Perry Nuclear Power Plant, which first connected to the grid in 1986, is currently operating under its initial 40-year license. The extension will ensure the plant continues to provide reliable, clean, and emission-free electricity to key markets, supporting jobs, economic activity, and grid reliability in the region [1].

This extension is part of Vistra's broader strategy to secure long-term license extensions for its nuclear fleet. The company's other reactors, including Beaver Valley units 1 and 2 in Pennsylvania, the single reactor at Davis-Besse in Ohio, and Comanche Peak units 1 and 2 in Texas, have also received license extensions, with operation periods ranging from 2036 to 2053 [1].

The Perry Nuclear Power Plant, with its 1,268-megawatt capacity, is the last of Vistra's six nuclear reactors to receive a license extension. The extension will allow the plant to continue generating approximately 1,268 megawatts of emission-free electricity, contributing to the company's goal of providing reliable, sustainable energy solutions [1].

Locally, the extension of Perry's operating license secures long-term economic benefits for the community around the plant. The plant employs approximately 600 full-time staff and more than 200 permanent contractors, supporting hundreds of families in the region. Additionally, regularly scheduled refueling outages bring in 800 to 1,200 highly skilled technicians from across the country, generating significant economic activity for local hotels, restaurants, and service businesses [1].

Vistra's focus on reliability, affordability, and sustainability has positioned it as a leader in transforming the energy landscape. The company's diverse power generation fleet, which includes natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery energy storage facilities, underscores its commitment to providing essential resources to customers, businesses, and communities [1].

References:

[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vistra-receives-approval-to-extend-operation-of-perry-nuclear-plant-through-2046-302499302.html