Published by Jan 30, 2024
The state of Illinois is the leading producer of nuclear energy in the United States. During 2022, this state generated almost 99 terawatt-hours of nuclear energy. Illinois is also the state with the largest number of nuclear power reactors in operation in the U.S.. This state of the Northern Midwest had 11 nuclear reactors in 2023, located in six different nuclear power plants.
Nuclear energy production in the United States
The process of nuclear fission between a neutron and a large uranium atom releases nuclear energy, which is primarily used to produce electricity. Nuclear energy is employed to heat water, creating steam that, in turn, powers turbines linked to electricity generators. This type of energy has accounted for no less than 18 percent of U.S. annual electricity generation in the last three decades.
U.S. nuclear power reactors in operation
Although the operable nuclear power reactors in the U.S. have seen a downward trend since 1990, nowadays, the country still holds 92 operable units. With this quantity of operating reactors, the North American nation is the leader in nuclear electricity production worldwide.
Leading nuclear power producing states in the United States in 2022 (in gigawatt-hours)
| Characteristic | Power generated in gigawatt-hours |
|---|---|
| Illinois | 98,870 |
| Pennsylvania | 76,166 |
| South Carolina | 54,370 |
| North Carolina | 42,644 |
| Alabama | 42,314 |
| Texas | 41,607 |
| Tennessee | 35,635 |
| Georgia | 34,074 |
| Arizona | 31,943 |
| Florida | 30,768 |
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