The Department of Energy (DOE) has conditionally awarded $1.1 billion in federal funding to Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) to support extending operations at California’s last remaining nuclear power plant.

PG&E’s 2.2 GW Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) in San Luis Obispo County provides about 17% of California’s carbon-free electricity and 8.6% of the state’s total electricity. The funds would be made available through the Civil Nuclear Credit Program.

“This is another very positive step forward to extend the operating life of Diablo Canyon Power Plant to ensure electrical reliability for all Californians,” said PG&E CEO Patti Poppe. “While there are key federal and state approvals remaining before us in this multi-year process, we remain focused on...