Prairie Island Nuclear Plant Spent Fuel Storage

In 2008, Xcel Energy requested: (1) a 164 megawatt (MW) uprate of the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant (PINGP), and (2) a 35-cask expansion of the PINGP independent spent fuel storage installation (ISFSI).

Power Uprate

The uprate was proposed in two phases -- the Unit 1 uprate to be completed in 2012, the Unit 2 upreate in 2015. After completion of an environmental impact statement (EIS) and a public hearing, the Commission approved the power uprate (Docket Numbers CN-08-509 and GS-08-690).  Subsequently, Xcel Energy indicated that circumstances had changed and that the power uprate was not needed.  After taking public comment, the Commission terminated the certificate of need for the uprate.  Thus, the uprate was not constructed.

ISFSI Expansion

In 2008, Xcel Energy applied to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to extend the PINGP operating license until 2034.  The NRC granted this extension.  To accomodate the spent nuclear fuel associated with this extension, Xcel Energy requested to expand the PINGP ISFSI by 35 casks, to accomodate a total of 64 casks (2,560 spent fuel assemblies).  After preparation of an EIS and a public hearing, the Commission approved the ISFSI expansion (Docket Number CN-08-510).

Change in Spent Fuel Storage Technology

On April 30, 2021, Xcel Energy requested a change in spent fuel storage technology at the PINGP ISFSI. Xcel Energy requested that it be authorized to use any spent fuel storage technology (cask) that has been approved by the NRC, rather than being limited solely to the TN-40HT casks anticipated in their ISFSI expansion certificate of need.  Xcel Energy indicates that they would select from NRC-approved cask designs based on considerations including price and compatibility with future offsite storage facilities.

On October 5, 2022, the Commission approved Xcel Energy's request to use an NRC-approved spent fuel storage technology at the Prairie Island plant.