Nuclear energy emits no greenhouse gases (GHG), making it a clean power source. Right now, nuclear plants are helping address climate change, providing 20 percent of the nation’s electricity and 50 percent of its carbon-free energy.

Besides leading the industry in clean energy, nuclear power is also reliable. It meets the demand for an uninterrupted flow of electricity for extended periods, even in extreme weather conditions. This steady, around-the-clock performance means consistent, dependable service for customers and communities.

Learn more about Constellation’s commitment to the environment. 

Constellation’s nuclear fleet produces energy America can rely on, staying online, on average, approximately 95 percent of the time. Constellation spends millions of dollars each year on capital projects to improve and modernize equipment at our plants to ensure they run efficiently and serve as a reliable source of carbon-free electricity. 

 Learn more about nuclear reliability. 

Constellation’s nuclear energy facilities have redundant safety systems and receive rigorous oversight from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), including on-site safety inspections. Though an emergency is unlikely, we are always prepared for one.

For decades, nuclear plant owners have worked with federal, state, and local officials, as well as thousands of volunteers and first responders, to ensure that safety and the public interest is always of the highest priority. Facilities are subject to strict, highly sensitive monitoring programs. Plants are also built to withstand impacts from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and aircraft.

The NRC issued new security measures after the attacks on September 11, 2001, and Constellation has met or exceeded them, spending more than $400 million across our nuclear facilities to further strengthen defenses. These include physical barriers, increased security staff and armed responders, new training and surveillance equipment, and cyber security measures. Critical systems at our facilities are isolated from the Internet to prevent cyber attacks, and they are designed to shut down immediately and safely should our systems detect any anomalies on the electrical grid.

Constellation continues to work closely with the nation’s defense and intelligence agencies to keep up with the most up-to-date safety measures and standards.

Learn more about nuclear safety.

Constellation safely stores its used nuclear fuel on-site at plants in spent fuel pools or dry canister storage, consistent with federal regulations.

Learn more about nuclear safety. 

If America is to achieve its 80 percent reduction goal in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, nuclear energy needs to be part of the solution. Unlike other energy sources, it provides carbon-free baseload power. Federal and state policies should encourage the continued and extended operation of existing plants.

Nuclear energy is also an engine for job creation and economic growth. Every year, the Constellation nuclear fleet hires an average of 600 people to fill stable, high-paying jobs. In general, nuclear plants employ more people per megawatt generated than any other type of power source.

Right now, nuclear plants generate 60% of America’s clean, zero-carbon energy. Given our environmental goals, the value of nuclear energy is on the rise. Without license renewals of our nuclear facilities, much of Constellation’s clean, 24/7, reliable generating capacity would be lost, likely replaced by sources that cost customers more and emit carbon. 

Learn more about the license renewal process. 

We support local communities and causes with charitable giving and sponsorships, typically driven by our employees. Learn more about Constellation’s commitment to the community.