NEI reports solid month of nuclear activity

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) announced Wednesday that nuclear power plants operated with high capacity factors through July, generating an approximate 71.2 billion kilowatt-hours over the month.

The organization reports that on average, U.S. nuclear reactors had an average capacity factor of 97 percent and 92 out of 99 reactors in operation performed at or above 90 percent capacity. A capacity factor is determined by comparing the amount of electricity produced over a specific period of time and the absolute maximum the reactor is designed to be able to produce with continuous full power.

“These numbers not only show the industry’s commitment to reliability but to ensuring that there is plentiful emission-free electricity during the peak summer months,” NEI Vice President for Nuclear Operations Joe Pollock said.

This month did see a decrease in total generation; in July of 2014 the estimate was at 71.9 kilowatt-hours of electricity.

The NEI states that electricity generation is generally higher in the summer and winter months following increases in energy consumption and demand.