Overview of Nuclear Energy in the U.S.

The U.S. generates 30% of the world's nuclear power, with 94 commercial reactors providing 20% of domestic electricity and 48% of carbon-free electricity. To meet a projected need for 700–900 GW of additional clean firm energy capacity by 2050, the U.S. could triple its nuclear capacity from approximately 100 GW to 300 GW, provided it overcomes challenges in licensing, workforce, and supply chains. The document highlights nuclear energy's role in providing 24/7 baseload power, its application in industrial heat and coal-repowering, and the emergence of advanced technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors.

• The United States is the global leader in nuclear power generation, producing 30% of the world's nuclear power. As of 2023, the U.S. operated 94 commercial nuclear reactors across 54 power plants located in 28 states.
• Nuclear energy is a critical component of the U.S. carbon-free energy mix, accounting for 20% of total electricity generation and 48% of all carbon-free electricity. In 2023, these plants produced 775 billion kilowatt-hours, which is sufficient to power more than 72 million homes.
• To address a projected requirement for 700–900 GW of additional clean firm energy capacity by 2050, the U.S. has the potential to triple its nuclear capacity from approximately 100 GW to 300 GW. Achieving this expansion requires addressing supply chain fragmentation, workforce gaps, licensing delays, and project risks.
• Nuclear energy provides 24/7 baseload power and is used for electricity, industrial heat, and coal-repowering. While the existing fleet consists of light water reactors (LWRs), advanced technologies include microreactors for off-grid use and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which the NRC found have minor or undetectable environmental impacts.
• Nuclear energy is characterized as one of the safest energy sources per unit of electricity generated, comparable to wind and solar when accounting for deaths from air pollution and accidents.

APA

Clean Air Task Force (n.d.). Overview of Nuclear Energy in the U.S. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/25155434/Nuclear-Energy-in-the-U.S.-2-pager.pdf

Chicago

Clean Air Task Force. Overview of Nuclear Energy in the U.S. n.d. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/25155434/Nuclear-Energy-in-the-U.S.-2-pager.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Clean Air Task Force |title=Overview of Nuclear Energy in the U.S. |url=https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/25155434/Nuclear-Energy-in-the-U.S.-2-pager.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{cleanairtaskforcendoverview, author = {{Clean Air Task Force}}, title = {{Overview of Nuclear Energy in the U.S.}}, institution = {Clean Air Task Force}, url = {https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/25155434/Nuclear-Energy-in-the-U.S.-2-pager.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }