NorthStar Successfully Finalizes the Vallecitos Nuclear Center Decommissioning Deal with GE Hitachi

NorthStar's New Milestone in Nuclear Decommissioning

On March 14, 2025, NorthStar Group Services, Inc. announced a significant advancement in nuclear decommissioning by finalizing the ownership transfer of the Vallecitos Nuclear Center, located in Sunol, California. This acquisition comes after extensive evaluations and approvals from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), marking a pivotal moment for both NorthStar and the future of the site.

The Vallecitos Nuclear Center, encompassing 1600 acres, was previously owned by GE Vernova Inc. and GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas, LLC. Under the terms of the deal, NorthStar is tasked with the decontamination, decommissioning, and eventual restoration of the site. NorthStar’s CEO, Scott State, highlighted the company's robust experience in managing similar projects across the United States, showcasing an impressive track record that emphasizes safety and efficiency.

Expertise in Action

Since the announcement of the deal back in May 2023, NorthStar has proactively engaged in preliminary work to ensure a seamless transition. A remarkable milestone was achieved in November 2023, when the company successfully removed the Vallecitos Boiling Water Reactor (VBWR) from the site. This reactor holds historical significance as the first privately owned facility to supply substantial amounts of electricity to a public utility grid. The removal process culminated in the safe dispatch of the reactor to NorthStar’s affiliate, Waste Control Specialists, LLC, located in Andrews County, Texas.

This milestone not only highlights NorthStar's capabilities but also sets a benchmark for responsible decommissioning practices in the industry. The project will continue by disposing of low-level radioactive waste in compliance with safety regulations, further demonstrating NorthStar's commitment to environmentally sound decommissioning processes.

Future Prospects for Vallecitos

The agreement between NorthStar and GE Hitachi foresees a comprehensive plan to restore the Vallecitos complex, aiming for conditions that can support productive reuse for commercial or industrial purposes. As NorthStar undertakes its responsibilities, stakeholders and community members are keenly watching the transformation of the site, which promises to alleviate safety concerns associated with the previous nuclear facilities.

The deal mirrors NorthStar's prior successful acquisition of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station, where their decommissioning efforts were praised by NRC officials as exemplary nationwide. NorthStar's ongoing decommissioning project at Vermont Yankee is on track for completion by 2026, showcasing the company’s effective management and operational excellence in such complex undertakings.

A Broader Commitment to Decommissioning

Apart from Vallecitos, NorthStar is also committed to other significant projects, such as the decommissioning of the Crystal River 3 commercial nuclear reactor complex in Citrus County, Florida. This project is currently underway under a contract with Duke Energy, further illustrating NorthStar's expanding role in the nuclear decommissioning sector.

With the resources and expertise at its disposal, NorthStar is set to make impactful progress in nuclear safety and environmental stewardship. By transitioning former nuclear sites through thorough and responsible decommissioning practices, NorthStar is contributing to a safer future for local communities and the broader environment.

For further details on this significant transaction and NorthStar's commitment to nuclear decommissioning, please visit GE's announcement.