Dresden 1 Nuclear Power Station in Illinois, the first plant built without government funding, achieved a nuclear reaction in 1959 and remained in operation through 1978.
When did nuclear power plants start being built?
A major goal of nuclear research in the mid-1950s was to show that nuclear energy could produce electricity for commercial use. The first commercial electricity-generating plant powered by nuclear energy was located in Shippingport, Pennsylvania. It reached its full design power in 1957.
How many nuclear power plants are in Illinois?
In Illinois there are eleven operating commercial nuclear power reactors at six sites, generating about 50 percent of the state’s electricity. In Illinois electricity is generated by two types of power reactors: Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) and Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR).
Does Illinois have nuclear plants?
Illinois generates more electricity from nuclear energy than any other state, accounting for one-eighth of the nation’s total nuclear power generation. In 2020, the state’s 6 nuclear power plants, with 11 total reactors, produced 58% of the state’s electricity net generation.
Is it safe to live near a nuclear power plant?
Let’s start with the obvious question: Is it safe to live near a nuclear plant? “Absolutely; study after study has shown this,” says Miller. “The bizarre fact is, cancer rates and risks in general are lower around plants.
Are Illinois nuclear plants closing?
Exelon, which owns six nuclear plants in the state, has said it plans to close its Byron plant on Sept. 13 unless the bill passes. … Exelon is in the midst of preparing for the retirement of two of its Illinois nuclear plants, Byron and Dresden, a major undertaking, a spokesperson indicated.