NRC issues licenses for commercial nuclear power reactors to operate for up to 40 years and allows these licenses to be renewed for up to an additional 20 years. There is no set limit on the number of times a reactor's operating license can be renewed. Most of the nation's 102 operating commercial nuclear power reactors received their initial operating licenses in the 1970s and 1980s. By the end of 2013, 64 reactors will have held an operating license for at least 30 years, and of these reactors, 20 will have held an operating license for 40 years or more (see fig. 1). As a result, many reactors are reaching or have reached the end of their initial 40-year operating period. As of May 2013, NRC had renewed 73 reactor licenses and was reviewing license renewal applications for 14 reactors.ly with reactor owners and, according to NRC documents, is typically based on the reactor's economic situation and whether it can meet NRC requirements. By the end of 2013, 64 reactors will have held an operating license for at least 30 years, and of these reactors, 20 will have held an operating license for 40 years or more (see fig. 1). As a result, many reactors are reaching or have reached the end of their initial 40-year operating period. As of May 2013, NRC had renewed 73 reactor licenses and was reviewing license renewal applications for 14 reactors.