How Many Nuclear Plants in Illinois?
Illinois, located in the heart of the United States, has played a significant role in the country’s nuclear power industry. With a total of 11 nuclear reactors across the state, Illinois is the leader in nuclear energy generation, producing over 15% of the country’s electricity.
Contents
A Quick Glance at the Number of Nuclear Plants in Illinois
According to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Illinois is home to 6 operating nuclear power plants, each with multiple reactors. The list of nuclear power plants in Illinois is as follows:
- Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station (Exelon): 2 reactors
- Burning Coal Creek Power Plant (Alliant Energy): 1 reactor
- Clinton Power Station (Exelon): 1 reactor
- LaSalle County Nuclear Power Plant (Exelon): 2 reactors
- Nexstar Power Reactors (Nexstar): 2 reactors
- Quad Cities Generating Station (Exelon): 2 reactors
- Vermillion County Power Plant (Dominion Energy): 1 reactor
Location of Nuclear Plants in Illinois
Illinois is home to 11 nuclear reactors spread across 6 different plants. Here is a list of the locations:
- Will County: Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station, Clinton Power Station, and LaSalle County Nuclear Power Plant
- Rock Island County: Quad Cities Generating Station
- Fulton County: Fulton Power Plant (former plant, decommissioned in 1992)
- Schuyler County: LaSalle County Nuclear Power Plant
- Moultrie County: Vermillion County Power Plant
- Lee County: H. B. Robinson Nuclear Generating Station (former plant, decommissioned in 1973)
Nuclear Plants by Operator
Exelon: 6 reactors
- Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station: 2 reactors
- Clinton Power Station: 1 reactor
- LaSalle County Nuclear Power Plant: 2 reactors
- Quad Cities Generating Station: 2 reactors
Alliant Energy: 1 reactor
- Burning Coal Creek Power Plant: 1 reactor
Nexstar: 2 reactors
- Nexstar Power Reactors: 2 reactors
Dominion Energy: 1 reactor
- Vermillion County Power Plant: 1 reactor
Nuclear Reactor Details
Here is a table summarizing the key details of each reactor:
| Reactor Name | Power (MW) | Operating since | NRC License | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braidwood-1 | 1,250 | 1987 | 3,235,000 | Braidwood, IL |
| Braidwood-2 | 1,250 | 1988 | 3,335,000 | Braidwood, IL |
| Clinton-1 | 1,200 | 1980 | 3,110,000 | Clinton, IL |
| LaSalle-1 | 1,175 | 1980 | 3,100,000 | Marseilles, IL |
| LaSalle-2 | 1,175 | 1984 | 3,140,000 | Marseilles, IL |
| Quad Cities-1 | 675 | 1972 | 3,010,000 | Cordova, IL |
| Quad Cities-2 | 675 | 1973 | 3,020,000 | Cordova, IL |
| Nexstar Power Reactors-1 | 1,125 | 1987 | 3,220,000 | Marseilles, IL |
| Nexstar Power Reactors-2 | 1,125 | 1989 | 3,240,000 | Marseilles, IL |
| Vermillion County Power Plant-1 | 800 | 1982 | 3,130,000 | Danville, IL |
Facts and Figures about Illinois’ Nuclear Power Industry
Here are some additional facts and figures about Illinois’ nuclear power industry:
• Electricity generation: Illinois’ nuclear power plants generate over 20% of the state’s electricity and 15% of the country’s electricity.
• Carbon emissions reduction: By generating electricity using nuclear power, Illinois is reducing carbon emissions by millions of tons each year, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
• Jobs and economic impact: The nuclear power industry in Illinois supports over 4,000 jobs and has a significant economic impact, with an estimated value of over $1.2 billion annually.
• Nuclear waste storage: The nuclear power plants in Illinois store nuclear waste in spent fuel pools and dry cask storage systems. The NRC oversees the safe storage and transportation of nuclear waste.
Conclusion
Illinois is a leading producer of nuclear energy, with 6 operating nuclear power plants and 11 reactors generating over 20% of the state’s electricity. With a strong track record of safety and environmental stewardship, the nuclear power industry in Illinois is committed to continuing to provide reliable, low-carbon energy for the region.
