Florida nuclear power plant approved to operate this many more years

The St. Lucie Nuclear Plant in Jensen Beach was authorized to operate for 20 years by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved license renewals for both nuclear reactors of Florida Power & Light’s St. Lucie Power Plant, according to a news release.

“This approval ensures that St. Lucie will continue to provide safe, reliable, low-cost energy for generations to come,” said FPL President Scott Bores. “We are pleased that nuclear power will remain an integral part of Florida’s energy future and a vital contributor to the local and state economies.”

St. Lucie Power Plant, which powered on for the first time in 1976, uses enriched uranium fuel to generate about 2,000 megawatts of emissions — enough “free” electricity to supply over 1 million homes, according to FPL.

Turkey Point, FPL’s other nuclear-powered plant, in Homestead, was renewed in 2024.

St. Lucie Power Plant and Turkey Point comprise about 20% of FPL’s energy portfolio.

All four nuclear units at St. Lucie and Turkey Point are in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s “green” performance band, indicating the best or highest rating for the federal agency’s indicators of nuclear safety performance.

“This approval represents the culmination of rigorous efforts by our dedicated nuclear team to meet and exceed regulatory expectations,” said Carlos Santos, St. Lucie site vice president. “We’re pleased with the result and excited that St. Lucie will continue its vital role in supplying low-cost, clean nuclear power to Florida.”

St. Lucie Nuclear Plant units years of operation

• Unit 1 began operation in 1976 and was extended to 2056
• Unit 2 began operation in 1983 and was extended to 2063

About the St. Lucie Nuclear Plant

• Generates enough electricity to power over 1 million homes and businesses
• Supplies about 11% of FPL’s generation
• Operates on a 1,200-acre site on Hutchinson Island
• Maintains grid stability

Jack Randall is TCPalm’s economy and real estate reporter. You can reach him at jack.randall@tcpalm.com.

Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com, 317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.