WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Energy announced Wednesday that it extended the deadline for nuclear power plant applicants to receive federal funding for their operations by 47 days to July 5.

Two plants in California and Michigan are the first targets of this program’s initial stage. Because the nuclear industry produces more than half of the country’s electricity without carbon, the Biden administration is determined to keep them online.

Two days earlier, Edison Electric Institute (and Nuclear Energy Institute) sent letters to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm asking for an extension.

Kathryn Huff (DOE’s assistant secretary to nuclear energy), stated in the statement that she received an application to extend the period. This could allow at-risk reactors to remain online and deliver much-needed clean energy to the grid.

Last month the program launched and owners of nuclear reactors who are due to retire may apply for up to $6 billion.

Entergy Corp (NYSE:). The Palisades facility in Michigan may be eligible to receive funding. It is set for closure on May 31. The Diablo Canyon facility in California, owned by PG&E (NYSE:) Corp, is scheduled to retire in 2025.