Nuclear power is projected to hold an 18 to 20 percent share of total US electricity generation through 2026, consistent with levels recorded in 2025, as plant restarts and continued operation of the existing fleet stabilize nuclear output, according to the US Energy Information Administration's Short-Term Energy Outlook.

Key EIA nuclear energy statistics for 2026:

- Nuclear share of US electricity generation: approximately 18 to 20% - Number of operating US nuclear reactors: 94 licensed units - Approximate annual nuclear electricity output: 780 billion kilowatt-hours - Holtec Palisades plant (Michigan): NRC approved restart, operations targeted for 2026 after prior closure in 2022 - Constellation Crane Clean Energy Center (Pennsylvania): restart targeted for 2027 - Duane Arnold nuclear plant: restart planned for 2029 - Nuclear power provides more zero-carbon electricity than wind and solar combined in the US

The EIA tracks nuclear generation monthly and publishes weekly electricity supply reports that include nuclear output by region. The agency's projections show nuclear output remaining stable as existing plants continue operating while new advanced reactor capacity remains several years from commercial operation.

Plant restarts represent the most near-term path to capacity growth in the domestic nuclear sector. The NRC approval of the Palisades restart in 2026 marks a policy direction in which previously closed plants with remaining licensed lifetimes are being reconsidered as viable grid assets in a tightening electricity market.

Source: EIA -- https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/index.php?tg=nuclear