Move could extend operations at Arizona facility until the mid-2060s
Energy company Arizona Public Service (APS) has officially notified the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of its intent to renew the operating licences for all three units at Palo Verde nuclear power station, which could extend operations from the mid-2040s to the mid-2060s.
The facility, to the west of Phoenix, has three large pressurised water reactor units that began commercial operation between January 1986 and January 1988.
APS said Palo Verde is the heart of its energy mix, playing a vital role in supporting Arizona’s economic development by providing 24/7 reliability. With the capacity to produce 4,200 MW of clean, carbon-free electricity for four million homes and businesses, Palo Verde is the largest power generator in the western US.
In the 1980s, the NRC licensed Palo Verde’s nuclear units to operate for 40 years. In 2011, the NRC approved APS’s renewal application to extend the operating licences 20 years, allowing the three units to operate through the mid-2040s.
On 13 March 2026, APS filed a notice of intent to submit a subsequent licence renewal application to the NRC in late 2027. The application will seek to renew Palo Verde’s operating licence for an additional 20 years, allowing Unit 1 to operate until 2065, Unit 2 until 2066 and Unit 3 until 2067.
After APS files the application, the NRC will evaluate Palo Verde’s strategy to maintain the plant over time, plan for environmental protection and ability to operate safely. APS said public participation is an important part of the licence renewal process, and the NRC will hold public meetings to share information and seek input.
Assessing Technologies For New Nuclear
APS said that as nuclear power continues to support the nation’s energy needs, a licence renewal would extend Palo Verde’s life to 80 years. APS is following the NRC’s established licence renewal process, which has resulted in renewing licences to 80 years for 10 stations across the country. The NRC is currently reviewing applications for three stations.
APS is also assessing new nuclear technologies and leading a collaborative effort with Salt River Project and Tucson Electric Power to explore and advance additional nuclear generation in the state.
In 2025, the utilities teamed up to apply for a grant from the US Department of Energy for funding to support the evaluation of possible sites.
APS said that while awaiting a decision, the three utilities continue to move forward with their siting efforts as they consider many types of nuclear energy solutions, including small modular reactors and large reactor projects.
