Most plants aren’t scattered randomly like confetti; they cluster in specific regions. The highest density hangs out in the Midwest, the Southeast, and a bit on the Northeast coast.
Think of Illinois as the “captain” of the nuclear squad. It has eleven reactors—more than any other state. If Illinois were a superhero, its power would be “never worrying about blackouts during a Bears game.”
Pennsylvania is next with nine reactors. The Keystone State is basically the veteran at the table, having hosted Three Mile Island (which, despite its famous 1979 partial meltdown, didn’t hurt anyone). That plant is now retired, but its siblings are still going strong.
South Carolina and Alabama tie for third place with seven reactors each. Who knew “sweet tea and fission” went together so well? The Southern states love nuclear because these plants run 24/7, even when the summer humidity makes you want to melt into a puddle.
