Operating Reactors
What We Regulate
NRC regulates the operation of over 100 commercial nuclear power reactors that generate electricity. For more information about power reactors, see the location map, list of power reactors, and NRC Project Managers.
It also regulates about 36 research and test reactors located primarily at universities where they are used for research, testing, and training. For more information about research and test reactors, see the location map, and NRC Project Managers.
How We Regulate
NRC regulates reactor operations through a combination of regulatory requirements; licensing; safety oversight, including inspection, assessment of performance and enforcement; operational experience evaluation; and regulatory support activities. For details of the first four components, see:
As part of operational experience monitoring, the agency will periodically encounter certain reactor systems or management areas it identifies as focus areas. The Reactor Safety Focus Area has additional information.
See our How We Regulate page for more information.
