Nuclear Power Plants by State 2026

Nuclear energy comes from the core of an atom. Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions to produce electricity. All nuclear power plants used nuclear fission to create energy. In nuclear fission, a neutron collides with and splits a uranium atom, releasing heat and energy. This heat is then used to produce electricity. Nuclear fusion and nuclear decay can be used to obtain nuclear power too.

Nuclear Power Controversy

Safety is the most significant concern when it comes to nuclear power. Supporters of nuclear power believe that nuclear power is a safe and sustainable energy source. The World Nuclear Association states that nuclear power has one of the lowest fatalities per unit of energy generated. Hydroelectricity, coal, natural gas, and petroleum have caused more fatalities per unit of energy due to air pollution and accidents.

A study on the prevented mortality and greenhouse gas emissions stated that nuclear power has prevented about 1.84 million air pollution-related deaths and the emissions of 64 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent since its commercialization in the 1970s. Those who oppose the use of nuclear power, such as Greenpeace, argue that nuclear power poses a threat to both the environment and people’s health.

The worst nuclear disaster in history was the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the Soviet Union. Chernobyl is frequently used as an example of the dangers of nuclear power and why it shouldn’t be used. The event killed two power plant workers and released high radiation levels into the surrounding area, causing tens of thousands of people to evacuate the surrounding areas and causing several suspected radiation-related medical problems, such as cancer.

Nuclear Power in the United States

In 2018, nuclear power supplied 2,563 terawatt-hours of electricity to the world, about 10% of total global electricity generation. According to the World Nuclear Association, the world has 439 operable nuclear reactors globally with a combined power of 389.5 gigawatts (GW). An additional 56 are under construction. The U.S. generates over 800 terawatts of zero-emissions electricity per year. The reactors operate at full power 92% of the time and generate about one-fifth of the country’s energy every year.

The United States has 48 active nuclear power plants. Additionally, there are nineteen decommissioned power plants and five possible future nuclear power plants.

The following are the top 12-producing states of nuclear power: Illinois (54%), Pennsylvania (36%), South Carolina (56%), New York (34%), Alabama (31%), North Carolina (31%), Tennessee (44%), Virginia (30%), New Jersey (37%), Connecticut (42%), Maryland (38%), and New Hampshire (61%). New Hampshire produces the highest share of its electricity from nuclear power at 61%, followed by South Carolina with 56% and Illinois with 54%.