Frequently Asked Questions
How old are U.S. nuclear power plants and when was the last one built?
The average age of U.S. commercial reactors is about 32 years. The oldest operating reactors are Oyster Creek in New Jersey, and Nine Mile Point 1 in New York. Both entered commercial service on December 1, 1969. The last newly built reactor to enter service was Watts Bar 1 in Tennessee, in 1996. In 2007, the Tennessee Valley Authority voted to complete construction of Watts Bar 2. This reactor is planned to begin commercial operation in 2013.
U.S. commercial nuclear reactors are licensed to operate for 40 years by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Prior to termination of the original license, companies may apply to the NRC for 20-year license extensions.
Learn More:
Status of NRC reactor license renewal applications
Last updated: May 16, 2012
Other FAQs about Nuclear
- How many and what kind of power plants are there in the United States?
- How many new nuclear power plants are being built in the United States?
- How many nuclear power plants are in the U.S. and where are they located?
- How much electricity does a typical nuclear power plant generate?
- How much spent (used) fuel is stored at U.S. nuclear power plants?
- How old are U.S. nuclear power plants and when was the last one built?