How many nuclear power plants are in the United States, and where are they located?
As of October 31, 2019, there are 58 commercially operating nuclear power plants with 96 nuclear reactors in 29 U.S. states. Of these nuclear plants, 32 plants have two reactors and 3 plants have three reactors. (The Indian Point Energy Center in New York has two nuclear reactors that the U.S. Energy Information Administration counts as two separate nuclear plants). 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 582 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:
Entergy Corporation closes the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Massachusetts
Despite closures, U.S. nuclear electricity generation in 2018 surpassed its previous peak
America’s oldest operating nuclear power plant to retire on Monday
South Carolina utilities stop construction of new nuclear reactors
Three Mile Island is the latest nuclear power plant to announce retirement plans
Indian Point, closest nuclear plant to New York City, set to retire by 2021
Fort Calhoun becomes fifth U.S. nuclear plant to retire in past five years
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, and 6.5 for most recent available survey data.)
Nuclear Energy Explained
Last updated: December 30, 2019
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