Frequently Asked Questions

How many nuclear power plants are in the U.S. and where are they located?

There are currently 65 commercially operating nuclear power plants with 104 nuclear reactors in 31 states around the country.  Thirty-six of the plants have two or more reactors. These plants have generated about 20% of U.S. electricity each year since 1991. The Palo Verde plant in Arizona has 3 reactors and the largest combined generating capacity of 3,942 Megawatts (MW) in 2010.  Fort Calhoun in Nebraska has the smallest capacity with a single reactor at 478 Megawatts (MW) in 2010.

Learn more:

Information on locations and types of nuclear plants and reactors:

State Nuclear Profiles

U.S. Reactor Statistics

Educational information on nuclear energy

Last reviewed: September 6, 2012


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