Nuclear energy efficiency sets record highs in 2014

Nuclear power plants have produced approximately one-fifth of the nation’s electricity supplies over the past two decades, and a recent report by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) shows that nuclear energy reached a record level of efficiency in 2014.

With an average capacity factor of 91.9 percent in 2014, nuclear energy is becoming a staple of the stability and reliability of the nation’s electric grid. This average is from 100 nuclear power plants that operate across 31 states.

“The 2014 numbers show unequivocally how important well-performing nuclear energy is to America’s energy security, the economy and our quality of life,” Marvin Fertel, NEI president and chief executive officer, said. “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the highly skilled men and women who work at these facilities, at the reactor vendors who provide support services, and in other capacities, U.S. nuclear power plants continue to operate at high levels of safety while generating affordable electricity that our society and our economy rely on.”

The extreme value of nuclear energy was shown during the arctic blast on the East Coast on Jan. 8 when plants operated above their generating capacity to meet the electric demands.