California legislators have voted to extend the life of the state’s last nuclear power station by five years as protection against possible blackouts – provided the federal government pays much of the cost.

The legislature approved a proposal by governor Gavin Newsom to keep the two-unit Diablo Canyon station, owned by PG&E Corp, running until 2030, rather than closing as previously planned in 2025.

California’s gas-fired power plants have been retiring faster than solar and wind facilities can replace them as the state fights climate change.