EMISSIONS FREE ELECTRICITY

Nuclear energy is our nation’s largest source of nearly emissions-free electricity and our second largest source of power. The 104 operating U.S. nuclear units supply about 20 percent of all electricity produced nationwide. Nuclear energy is clean with virtually no emissions, which helps keep the air clean, preserves the Earth’s climate, avoids ground level ozone formation and prevents acid rain. It is efficient and cost effective, thanks to outstanding employees, high plant performance, modernized facilities and renewal of plant licenses.

INCREASES GRID STABILITY

Nuclear power plants produce electricity uninterrupted for extended periods—for as long as 24 months—and help supply the necessary level of steady, “baseload” electricity for the electric transmission network, or grid, to operate. They produce electricity 24/7 to provide continuous electricity to power our homes, businesses, hospitals, transportation infrastructure, telecommunications and other critical infrastructure.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Tens of thousands of jobs in the nuclear energy industry represent a range of opportunities, from skilled craft employment in manufacturing and plant construction to engineering and operation of nuclear energy facilities. Nuclear energy facilities are engines of economic growth. On average, a nuclear power plant produces $430 million annually in sales of goods and services in the local community. It stimulates growth in the domestic supply chain and provides federal, state and local tax revenue of nearly $100 million each year.