Energy In Brief Articles

What is the status of the U.S. nuclear industry?

There are currently 104 commercial nuclear reactors at 65 nuclear power plants in 31 States. Since 1990, the share of the Nation's total electricity supply provided by nuclear power generation has averaged about 20%, with the level of nuclear generation growing at roughly the same rate as overall electricity use.

See all Energy in Brief articles ›

Nuclear Power Explained

Use of nuclear power

Nuclear power provides about 20% of the U.S. electricity and about 8% of the total U.S. energy consumed from all sources. In 2010, U.S. nuclear plants generated 807 billion kilowatthours from 104 commercial nuclear generating units.

Nuclear power and the environment

The main environmental concerns for nuclear power are radioactive wastes such as uranium mill tailings, spent (used) reactor fuel, and other radioactive wastes. These materials can remain radioactive and dangerous to human health for thousands of years.

See more nuclear topics ›