Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant near San Luis Obispo County’s Avila Beach is the last operating nuclear plant on the West Coast. (photo courtesy of PG&E Corp.)

Pacific Gas and Electric plans to close the Diablo Canyon Power Plant near Avila Beach by 2025, the company announced June 21.

The nuclear power plant has been controversial since starting operations in 1985 because fault lines run under and near the plant. PG&E said in a news release that it has plans to replace the energy output from Diablo Canyon with renewable energy, so the company will not seek to relicense Diablo Canyon.

“California’s energy landscape is changing dramatically with energy efficiency, renewables and storage being central to the state’s energy policy. As we make this transition, Diablo Canyon’s full output will no longer be required,” said PG&E CEO Tony Earley in a news release. “As a result, we will not seek to relicense the facility beyond 2025 pending approval of the joint energy proposal. Importantly, this proposal helps ensure that power remains affordable and reliable and that we do not increase the use of fossil fuels while supporting California’s vision for the future.”

Before Diablo Canyon’s license for Unit 1 expires on Nov. 2, 2024 and license for Unit 2 expires Aug. 26, 2025, PG&E will work to create renewable energy sources that replace the plant’s output. PG&E says it does not expect rates to increase as a result of the change.

About 1,500 people are currently employed at Diablo Canyon Power Plant.

• Contact Philip Joens at pjoens@pacbiztimes.com.