Section 8. Nuclear energy - Industry Overview - Statistical Data Included

Monthly Energy Review, April, 2002

U.S. nuclear electricity net generation during January 2002 was 70 net terawatthours (billion kilowatthours) of electricity, 2 percent higher than in January 2001. Nuclear units generated at an average capacity factor of 96.5 percent, 2.1 percentage points higher than the capacity factor in January 2001.

On January 31, 2002, there were 104 operable nuclear generating units in the United States, with a collective net summer capability of 97.9 million kilowatts of electricity. Of the 104 operable units, 1 unit generated no electricity during the month because of maintenance, refueling, or repair outage, and 79 units reported operating at 90 percent of capacity or more. Of these 79 units, 48 operated at 100 percent or greater (based on net summer capability).

In addition, there were three other units with construction permits, but construction for all three units has been halted. Their combined design capacity is 3.6 million kilowatts.