US nuclear reactors delivered power more than 92 percent of the time in 2024, the highest capacity factor of any electricity source, according to industry statistics. Nuclear generation reached about 782 terawatt-hours, or 19 percent of total US electricity, underscoring the fleet's role as a steady source of baseload power.

Individual operators posted standout numbers. Duke Energy, which runs 11 reactors across the Carolinas, reported an all-time high systemwide capacity factor near 97 percent, supplying carbon-free electricity to more than 8 million homes and generating roughly 600 million dollars in value for customers through federal tax credits. Constellation Energy said its Fitzpatrick plant achieved a 100 percent capacity factor for the year, running without interruption for all 365 days.

The reliability gap over other sources is wide. Where wind and solar output varies with weather and time of day, nuclear plants run continuously for months between refueling outages, making capacity factor a key metric for investors weighing the sector.

The outlook points to expansion. Around 15 reactors are expected to come online globally in 2026, adding close to 12 gigawatts of new capacity, a turnaround after a year of contraction. More than 40 countries have active plans to grow nuclear's role, and in the United States, rising electricity demand from data centers has renewed interest in both existing plants and new construction.

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