The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has extended the licences of the Florida Power & Light Company’s (FPL) Turkey Point nuclear power plant Units 3 and 4 in Florida.
The renewal extends the operational lifespan of Units 3 and 4 until 2052 and 2053, respectively.
FPL president and CEO Armando Pimentel stated: “This approval demonstrates our commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure that we can continue to deliver safe, reliable and clean energy to our customers for decades to come.
“Turkey Point is an integral part of the local economy and an essential part of FPL’s fuel mix.”
Turkey Point Unit 3 and Unit 4 began their commercial operations in 1972 and 1973 respectively. The plant, 25 miles south of Miami, spans 11,000 acres and includes 168 linear miles of cooling canals amid protected mangrove swamps.
It generates sufficient energy to power almost one million homes and businesses, contributing significantly to grid stability and supporting Florida’s burgeoning population. The site also serves as a habitat for the endangered American crocodile and other native species.
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By GlobalDataIn December 2019, Turkey Point became the first US nuclear plant to receive approval for subsequent 20-year licence renewal. However, in 2022, the NRC requested additional environmental information, leading to a re-evaluation of the previously set expiration dates of 2032 and 2033.
Following a comprehensive reapplication process, FPL supplied the necessary documentation for a site-specific environmental impact statement, resulting in the re-instatement of the initial subsequent licence approval.
Turkey Point vice-president Mike Strope commented, “This approval is the culmination of rigorous efforts to meet and exceed regulatory expectations. Our team demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise throughout the re-application process, ensuring that the safe and reliable operation of Turkey Point continues to play a critical role in supplying zero-emissions electricity to FPL customers.”
Nuclear power, accounting for 20% of FPL’s energy mix, is Florida’s second-largest energy source.
FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach-based NextEra Energy.
In June 2024, Entergy entered a five-year joint development agreement with NextEra Energy Resources for the creation of 4.5GW of new solar and energy storage projects across the US.