The United States operates the world’s largest fleet of nuclear power plants, with 93 reactors capable of generating about 95,500 megawatts of electricity. Nuclear power has supplied roughly 20% of the nation’s electricity since the late 1980s.
Despite its role in the nation’s energy mix, the industry has faced economic pressure in recent years.
Twelve U.S. reactors permanently closed between 2012 and 2021, representing nearly 10% of the generating capacity of today’s operating fleet.
Several other plants have announced plans to close, although some shutdowns have been avoided through state financial assistance. In recent years, 20 reactors in six states continued operating after receiving subsidies or other support. Those reactors account for about 21% of U.S. nuclear generating capacity.
Federal lawmakers have also taken steps to preserve existing plants. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed in 2021, provided $6 billion for a program aimed at supporting nuclear plants at risk of closure.
Economic conditions vary by region, with plants in traditionally regulated electricity markets generally facing less immediate financial pressure than those competing in wholesale power markets.