The United States operates 94 licensed commercial nuclear reactors that together supply close to a fifth of the nation electricity, a contribution that has held remarkably steady even as the overall power mix shifts. Nuclear generation is projected to maintain an 18 percent share of US electricity in 2026, similar to the level recorded in 2025.

That consistency stands out against the variability of other sources. Nuclear plants run at high capacity factors, operating around the clock regardless of weather, which makes them a reliable baseload contributor. The steady output from the existing fleet has become more valuable as electricity demand rises and grid operators seek firm, carbon-free generation.

The fleet is also positioned for growth for the first time in years. The regulatory approval of a reactor restart, the issuance of a construction permit for an advanced non-light-water reactor, and the clearance of a second small modular reactor design all point toward future additions to nuclear capacity. Large technology buyers committing to multi-gigawatt nuclear procurement add another source of demand for both existing and new plants.

The data describes an industry transitioning from a long period of flat capacity toward measured expansion. While the 94 operating reactors continue to provide the backbone of US nuclear generation, the combination of restarts, uprates, and advanced reactor permits signals that the fleet contribution could begin climbing later in the decade after years of holding near a constant share.

Source: Nuclear Energy Institute -- https://www.nei.org/resources/statistics