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

There are 61 commercially operating nuclear power plants with 99 nuclear reactors in 30 states in the United States. (The Indian Point Energy Center in New York has two nuclear reactors that the U.S. Energy Information Center counts as two separate nuclear plants.) Of these nuclear plants, 35 have two or more reactors. The Palo Verde power plant in Arizona is the largest nuclear plant, and it has three reactors with a combined net summer electricity generating capacity at 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 at 508 MW.

The newest nuclear reactor to enter service, Watts Bar Unit 2 with 1,150 MW net summer electricity generating capacity, began commercial operation in October 2016.

Four new nuclear reactors are actively under construction: Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in Georgia and Virgil C. Summer Units 2 and 3 in South Carolina.

Learn more:
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 (Tables 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5; for most recent month and year available)
Nuclear Energy Explained

Last updated: November 08, 2016

Other FAQs about Nuclear

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