Energy Northwest and BPA advance plan to expand region’s nuclear power

Energy Northwest and the Bonneville Power Administration are taking a significant step toward strengthening the Pacific Northwest’s supply of affordable, reliable and secure energy. On May 20, BPA approved implementation of an Extended Power Uprate project that increases the output of Columbia Generating Station. The EPU is an approximately $700 million project that will increase the station’s electrical output by 162 megawatts. CGS is the region’s third largest generating resource and only operating nuclear energy plant.

“We applaud BPA for its decision to approve this project and for its strategic vision in advancing our region’s future with additional reliable capacity that nuclear energy can provide," said Bob Schuetz, Energy Northwest CEO. "Their leadership in supporting this initiative underscores a commitment to affordable electricity for the Northwest region, including our public power member utilities and their customers."

Following 18 months of in-depth analysis, BPA’s approval allows the project to move into its next phase. Over the next six years, Energy Northwest and BPA will collaborate on planning and implementation. Once completed in 2031, the additional 162 megawatts of firm capacity could power approximately 125,000 homes, strengthening the Pacific Northwest’s energy portfolio.

“This is a great value for ratepayers in the Pacific Northwest,” said John Hairston, BPA administrator and CEO. “Upgrading an existing resource to provide additional reliable energy will help BPA keep pace with its customers’ growing electricity needs and keep rates low.”

Columbia Generating Station, a 1,207-megawatt nuclear energy facility near Richland, Washington, is owned and operated by Energy Northwest. The EPU will increase electrical output by upgrading and replacing equipment — including turbines, heat exchangers and the generator — while maintaining high safety standards and improving reliability. Nuclear energy facilities have successfully implemented uprates since the 1970s to boost energy generation from existing plants.

The project will involve approximately 30 individual upgrades, primarily focused on increasing the size of pumps and motors. These enhancements coincide with biennial refueling outages, creating new job opportunities for skilled workers.

Alongside the EPU, energy efficiency upgrades incorporated during the next three refueling outages in 2027, 2029 and 2031 are expected to add 24 megawatts of output capacity, bringing the total increase to 186 megawatts. This expanded capacity will be added to BPA’s federal system power, serving consumer-owned utilities across six Northwest states.

The EPU project marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Energy Northwest and BPA, showcasing a shared commitment to advancing reliable energy solutions. The combined efforts of both organizations will ensure that the Pacific Northwest continues to benefit from affordable and secure electricity.

“President Trump and Secretary Wright have made it clear: expanding America’s nuclear energy capacity will be essential for meeting growing demand for affordable, reliable and secure energy,” said Michael Goff, Department of Energy acting undersecretary for infrastructure. “This project exemplifies the energy vision for America by unleashing new power generation for the people of the Pacific Northwest without raising costs.”