The Tennessee Valley Authority announced the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has renewed the operating licenses for all three units at TVA’s Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, allowing continued operation through the mid-2050s.

The plant, located along the Tennessee River near Athens and Decatur, is TVA’s largest generating asset and the third-largest nuclear power producer in the United States.

“This is a strong example of how independent oversight and effective collaboration can deliver results that support our energy future,” said Jeremy Groom, Acting Director of the NRC’s Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.

“The NRC confirmed that Browns Ferry’s reactors can safely operate for up to 80 years, and TVA’s responsiveness helped us complete our rigorous review nearly three months ahead of schedule.”

According to the TVA, as the region’s population grows, Browns Ferry’s continued operation is essential to power the Tennessee Valley’s economic expansion.

Alabama’s top officials also hold that view — and shared their praise for the milestone on Friday.

“Nuclear energy is essential to America’s energy dominance and national security, and that strength is shown right here in North Alabama,” U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) said.

“The NRC’s approval of a 20-year license renewal for TVA’s Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant ensures the plant will operate well into the 2050s – providing reliable power, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs, and fueling long-term economic growth across the Tennessee Valley.”

“Alabama’s economy depends on having reliable and affordable power. I’m glad to see Browns Ferry’s license renewed for another 20 years so that Alabamians in the Tennessee Valley can continue having the energy they need to run their homes and businesses,” U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) said today.

“We are proud to have TVA’s top generating asset in Alabama, producing 20% of TVA’s total generation capacity. I look forward to seeing Browns Ferry continue to lead the way in clean nuclear energy production for decades to come.”

TVA said it’s upgrading its nuclear fleet over the next 10-15 years and plans to seek license renewals for its other two nuclear facilities.

“Excited to celebrate the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant’s subsequent license extension in North Alabama. I’m grateful to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for their diligent and critical work to advance American energy dominance safely,” U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) said.

“Not only does Browns Ferry provide electricity to over two million homes in the Tennessee Valley, it provides thousands of jobs, facilitates economic growth, and cements Alabama as a national leader in nuclear energy.”