Xcel Energy's Monticello nuclear plant's application to extend operations through 2040 given the OK
MONTICELLO, Minn. -- Operations at Xcel Energy's nuclear plant in Monticello are on the path toward continuing for at least another decade, the company announced Thursday.
The announcement comes months after a leak was discovered at the nuclear plant that allowed 400,000 gallons of water containing tritium into the groundwater beneath the plant.
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The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved Xcel's application to allow increased storage of spent nuclear fuel at the Monticello site.
The approval is a major step toward providing "reliable, carbon-free energy" for its customers while also reaching the state's carbon reduction goals, according to Xcel Energy.
The nuclear plant has been running for over 50 years and Xcel says it expects operations to extend through 2040.
Xcel reports it has also filed with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend the plant's operating license. A decision is not expected until late next year. If the NRC approves the subsequent license renewal, they would be able to operate there until 2050.
Construction recently began on a 600-foot-long underground wall at the Monticello plant meant to impede interaction between river water and groundwater.