Energy In Brief Articles

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

There are currently 104 operable commercial nuclear reactors at 65 nuclear power plants. Since 1990, the share of the nation's total electricity supply provided by nuclear power generation has averaged about 20%, with increases in nuclear generation that have roughly tracked the growth in total electricity output

See all Energy in Brief articles ›

Nuclear Power Explained

Use of nuclear power

In 2011, U.S. nuclear plants generated 790 billion kilowatthours from 104 commercial nuclear generating units. Nuclear power provided slightly more than 19% of electricity and about 8% of all energy consumed in the United States.

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 ›