How many nuclear power plants are in the United States, and where are they located?
As of May 1, 2021, there were 55 commercially operating nuclear power plants with 93 nuclear power reactors in 28 U.S. states. Of the currently operating nuclear power plants, 32 plants have two reactors and 3 plants have three reactors.
The Palo Verde nuclear power plant in Arizona is the largest nuclear plant, and it has three reactors with a combined net summer electricity generating capacity of 3,937 megawatts (MW). The R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant in New York is the smallest nuclear plant, and it has one reactor with a net summer electricity generating capacity of about 581 MW.
The newest nuclear reactor to enter service, Watts Bar Unit 2 with 1,122 MW net summer electricity generating capacity, began commercial operation in October 2016.
Two new nuclear reactors are actively under construction: Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in Georgia.
Learn more:
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: May 3, 2021
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