Power plants’ costs and value to the grid are not easily reflected using simple metrics

(Wed, 03 May 2017) Cost is one of the key factors influencing the choice of fuels and technologies used to generate electricity. Capital, maintenance, operating, and financing costs often vary significantly across technologies and fuels. In addition, regional differences in construction, fuel, transmission, and resource costs mean that location also matters.

Most U.S. nuclear power plants were built between 1970 and 1990

(Thu, 27 Apr 2017) As of 2016, the United States had 99 operating nuclear reactors at 61 plants across the country, with a capacity-weighted average age of 37 years. The oldest operating nuclear reactor in the United States was built in 1969. Watts Bar 2, which entered commercial service in 2016, was the first new reactor added since 1996. An additional four reactors are currently under construction.

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