February 8, 2006—Demonstrating that nuclear power producers are well-poised to help meet the nation’s energy challenges, US nuclear power plants in 2005 posted near-record levels of electricity production and reliability, industry leaders announced.
The 103 nuclear plants operating in 31 states produced an estimated 783 billion kilowatt-hours (kwh) of electricity and posted an average capacity factor—a measure of efficiency—of nearly 90 percent, industry executives said in providing 2005 performance data at a briefing for Wall Street financial analysts.
Last year’s electricity production mark is second only to the 2004 record of 789 billion kwh, and the 89.7 percent capacity factor estimate is the third-highest level ever, just shy of 2004’s record-high of 90.5 percent and the 90.3 percent average capacity factor posted in 2002.
“The safe, reliable operation of 103 reactors represents a significant domestic source of electricity today and a solid business platform from which to launch a new wave of nuclear plant construction in America,” said Anthony F. Earley Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of DTE Energy and chairman of the board of directors of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI).
NEI President and Chief Executive Officer Frank L. (Skip) Bowman told the Wall Street analysts that excellent operations at nuclear power plants have enabled nuclear energy to maintain its 20 percent share of US electric supply over the past 10 years despite overall growth in electricity demand of more than 25 percent. The Department of Energy forecasts that US electricity demand will increase another 50 percent by 2030.
For more information, visit the Web site of the Nuclear Energy Institute.
