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Nuclear Energy Generation

Building The Foundation for Our Clean Energy Future 

Constellation operates the largest fleet of nuclear facilities in the U.S., supporting energy grid reliability and security. We are committed to our customers and to reinforcing the positive impact of nuclear energy.

As an essential part of a clean and reliable approach to combatting climate change, nuclear has many benefits.

  • Emissions-Free: Nuclear power provides emissions-free, continuous power supply, even in extreme weather conditions.

  • Reliable balancing: Nuclear power supports a reliable energy system by helping manage and balance the grid. 

  • Variable renewables: Nuclear power can support a higher deployment of variable wind and solar generation.

  • License renewals: Second license renewals at nuclear plants will extend emissions-free energy production to 80 years – more than three times the useful life of renewables and twice the useful life of coal.

  • Clean Energy Centers: Where one or more clean and reliable power generation resources may be contracted with customer load.

Continue reading to learn more about the value generated by our industry-leading nuclear fleet.

 

Nuclear energy generation emits zero greenhouse gases (GHG), making it a clean power source and a powerful asset to address climate change. Nuclear plants currently provide approximately 20% of the U.S.' clean electricity and 50% of its emissions-free energy. 

Nuclear-based power is also reliable – meeting the demand for uninterrupted electricity over extended periods, even in extreme weather conditions. This steady, around-the-clock performance translates to consistent, dependable power service for customers and communities. 

Learn more about Constellation's commitment to the environment and the impact of our low-carbon and low-emissions solutions on the future of energy.

Constellation's nuclear fleet stayed online 94.6% of the time in 2024, producing energy that America can count on. Each year, we invest heavily in capital projects to improve and modernize equipment at our plants, ensuring they run efficiently and serve as a reliable source of emissions-free electricity. 

 Learn more about nuclear reliability. 

Safety is our top priority. Constellation’s nuclear energy facilities follow multiple layers of safety systems and receive rigorous oversight from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), including on-site safety inspections. Our safety measures are designed to help mitigate the unlikely event of an emergency while ensuring we're prepared for any potential event.  

For decades, nuclear plant owners have worked with federal, state and local officials, as well as thousands of volunteers and first responders, to prioritize public safety and mitigate risks. Nuclear facilities are subject to strict, highly sensitive monitoring programs to support safety goals. Plants are also designed 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 consistently met or exceeded them, investing more than $400 million strengthening our nuclear facilities' defenses. These include physical barriers, increased security staff and armed responders, new training and surveillance equipment and cybersecurity measures. Critical systems at our facilities are isolated from the internet to prevent cyberattacks, and our facilities are designed to shut down immediately and safely if our systems detect any anomalies on the electrical grid. 

Constellation continues to work closely with the nation’s defense and intelligence agencies to stay informed about current safety measures and standards. 

Learn more about nuclear safety. 

Constellation safely stores used nuclear fuel onsite. Consistent with federal regulations, we utilize spent fuel pools and dry canister storage for used fuel storage.

Learn more about nuclear safety.

Unlike other energy sources, nuclear energy is a reliable source of clean baseload power. 

Constellation's investments in its nuclear facilities also expand economic opportunities for local communities. Annually, the Constellation nuclear fleet hires an average of 600 people for stable, high-paying jobs. In general, nuclear plants employ more people per megawatt generated than any other type of power source. 

Nuclear plants currently generate 60% of America's clean, emissions-free energy, and 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. 

At Constellation, we support local communities and causes with charitable giving and sponsorships – typically driven by our employees. In 2024, Constellation contributed $14.7 million to 4,100 organizations. Our employees donated an additional $5.3 million and contributed 116,500 volunteer hours across three dozen states.

Learn more about Constellation's commitment to our communities.