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Home > Nuclear Reactors
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Power Reactors
The NRC regulates commercial nuclear power
plants that generate electricity. There are several types of these power
reactors. Of these, only the Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) and Boiling
Water Reactors (BWRs) are in commercial operation in the United States.
Select a type from the list below to view a description and diagram of each.
There are currently 104 licensed to operate nuclear power plants in
the United States (69 PWRs and 35 BWRs), which generate about 20% of our
nation's electrical use. For more information about
operating reactors, see the location
map, list of power
reactors, and NRC
Project Managers.
As part of operational experience monitoring, the agency will periodically
encounter certain reactor systems or management areas that could be improved.
For additional information on areas related to safety that the agency
is working to improve and upgrade, see Reactor
Safety Focus Areas.
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