As of this very moment, the United States has 93 operational nuclear reactors spread across 54 power plants. Yes, you read that right—93. That’s more nuclear reactors than any other country on Earth. We’re the undisputed heavyweight champion of splitting atoms for electricity, and we barely talk about it.
To put that in perspective, France—the country that literally runs on nuclear like it’s a second religion—has about 56 reactors. We have nearly double that. It’s like showing up to a potluck with 93 casseroles while everyone else brought chips. Except these casseroles could, in theory, power a small city for a year while also making you nervous about your hair falling out.
But here’s the kicker: most of these plants are old. Like, “born during the Nixon administration” old. The average reactor in the U.S. is around 42 years old. That’s middle-aged in human years, but in nuclear terms, it’s like a grumpy grandpa who refuses to retire because he’s still got a few good decades left.
Where Are They Hiding?
You’d think nuclear plants would be out in the desert, surrounded by barbed wire and ominous warning signs. Nope. They’re everywhere. Illinois has 11 reactors, making it the nuclear capital of the country. That’s more than all of Japan. Pennsylvania—home of cheesesteaks and the Liberty Bell—has nine. Even New York has six, one of which sits just 30 miles from Manhattan.
Map of Nuclear Power Plants In USA
Imagine that: you’re eating a hot dog in Central Park, and 30 miles away, a uranium atom is having a peaceful breakdown. It’s like living next to a very quiet, very responsible dragon. Also, South Carolina has seven reactors, which is wild because I can’t picture anything in South Carolina being that organized, but here we are.
And here’s a surprising fact: Alabama has five reactors. Yes, Alabama—where they also have a rocket factory and, oddly, a lot of nuclear juice. It’s the state that powers your Netflix binge while simultaneously making you wonder if they’re also keeping the lights on for a giant underground spaceship.
