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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How many nuclear power plants are in the United States, and where are they located?

As of August 1, 2023, there were 54 commercially operating nuclear power plants with 93 nuclear power reactors in 28 states. lllinois ranks the highest among all states with the most reactors—11, and the largest total nuclear nameplate electricity generating capacity—11,582 megawatts (MW), equal to 12% of total U.S. operating nuclear electricity generation capacity.

Of the 54 operating nuclear power plants, 19 have one reactor, 31 have two reactors, and four have three reactors. The Palo Verde nuclear power plant in Arizona is currently the largest U.S. nuclear power plant with three reactors that have a combined nameplate electricity generating capacity of 4,210 MW and a total net summer electricity generating capacity of 3,937 MW. The R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant in New York State is the smallest nuclear facility with one reactor with a nameplate generation capacity of 614 MW and a net summer generation capacity of about 580 MW. The smallest individual reactors are the two units at the Prairie Island nuclear plant in Minnesota, each with 593 MW nameplate generation capacity and about 520 MW of net summer generation capacity.

The newest nuclear reactor to enter service is the Vogtle Unit 3 at the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant plant in Georgia as part of a two-unit expansion project. Unit 3 began commercial operation on July 31, 2023 with 1,114 MW nameplate electricity generating capacity. Unit 4, with about 1,117 MW capacity, is nearing completion and is projected to enter service in 2024. When Unit 4 is operational, Vogtle will be the largest nuclear power plant in the United States with four reactors and a total of 4,660 MW nameplate electricity generation capacity.

Learn more:
Does EIA publish the location of electric power plants, transmission lines, and substations?
Articles on nuclear energy
U.S. Nuclear Generation and Generating Capacity
Data on operable, proposed, and retired generators at U.S. power plants (file: GeneratorYyy)
List of new, retired, and planned generators (See Tables 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, and 6.6 for most recent available survey data.)
Nuclear Energy Explained

Last updated: August 3, 2023.


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