Nuclear Energy
NextEra Energy Resources’ parent company, NextEra Energy, operates one of the largest nuclear power fleets in the United States.
INDUSTRY LEADER
Nuclear energy provides safe, reliable and low-cost power for homes and businesses.
Growing energy demands, unpredictable fossil fuel costs and the continuing need for clean energy are among the reasons nuclear power remains an attractive source of electricity.
Did You Know?
Nuclear energy is the world's largest source of emissions-free energy.
BENEFITS
Clean, Reliable and Affordable
Nuclear power plants are a clean energy source because the plants don't burn any fuel to produce electricity. Nuclear power plant operation produces virtually no pollutants or greenhouse gases.
Land Conservation
- Seabrook Station uses only one-tenth of its 900-acre property. The remaining property serves as a wildlife preserve, providing homes to plants and wildlife.
Wildlife Protection
- Seabrook Station supports various local agencies, such as Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership and Seacoast Science Center, in their efforts to protect and improve our environment.
NUCLEAR PLANTS
NextEra Energy Resources' nuclear portfolio includes plants in Wisconsin and New Hampshire.
Point Beach
Point Beach in Two Rivers, Wisconsin produces about 1,200 megawatts of power, approximately one-sixth of the state’s electricity.
Seabrook Station
Seabrook Station generates more than 1,250 megawatts of electricity, enough to supply 1.2 million families with power for a year.
Duane Arnold Energy Center
The Duane Arnold Energy Center ceased operations in August 2020 after safely serving Eastern Iowa for 45 years.
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How Nuclear Plants Work
Nuclear power plants do not burn any fuel, so there are no pollutants released into the air. In a nuclear power plant, uranium – a natural ore that has been enriched – is used. Steam is generated through a process called fission, instead of burning oil, gas or coal.
Fission happens when tiny parts of uranium, known as atoms, split. During fission, even smaller particles of the atom, called neutrons, are released. The neutrons strike more uranium atoms, resulting in the release of the heat needed to generate electricity.
There are two types of reactors in the United States:
Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) – boil water so that it is converted to steam. The steam drives a turbine connected to a generator before being recycled back into water by a condenser and used again in the heat process.
Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) – keep water under pressure so it heats up but does not boil. Water from the reactor and water in the steam generator never mix.