Monticello License Renewed

St. Cloud Times:

The Monticello nuclear power plant's operating license has been renewed for 20 years, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced Wednesday.

The extension followed a September decision by the Minnesota Public UtilitiesCommission that authorized the Xcel Energy-owned generating plant to store spent nuclear fuel in above-ground casks.

The plant's new license will remain valid until 2030, extending its potential life to at least 60 years. Its original 40-year license had been set to expire in 2010.