Total megawatts of U.S. nuclear capacity offline right now (units in outages plus reduced power).
6,902
MW Offline
Percentage of total fleet capacity currently online and generating power.
92.9%
Fleet Online
Refueling outages scheduled for this season. Each one is a hiring window.
24
Fall 2026 Outages
Units currently at 0% power (likely in an outage or shutdown).
6
Units Offline
Units operating between 1-99% power (excluding known startups or coastdowns).
0
Reduced Power
Units nearing the end of their fuel cycle, gradually lowering power before an outage.
3
Coastdown
Units increasing power following an outage or scram.
1
Starting Up
Units on a qualifying Breaker-to-Breaker run: continuous operation exceeding their cycle-adjusted threshold with no trips to 0% power.
9
Breaker-to-Breaker
Nuclear NewsNEW Fusion Power to U.S. Data Centers and Critical InfrastructurenT-Tao and Orion Nuclear Energy Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to deploy compact fusion systems across the United States. The agreement focuses on providing on-site power generation for data centers and industrial facilities facing grid capacity constraints. The collaboration pairs nT-Tao's twenty-megawatt fusion technology with Orion's project development and regulatory expertise. This partnership highlights industry efforts to bridge a commercial scale gap between small microreactors and larger utility-scale advanced reactors while navigating early-stage fusion development milestones. Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals. and ALEXANDRIA, Va. and HOUSTON – nT-Tao, an Israeli compact fusion energy company, and Orion Nuclear Energy Corporation, a U.S...
Nuclear NewsNEW Lattice fusion reactor shows heat and gas signals in independent validation studyLattice fusion reactor shows heat, gas signals in Phase 1 tests Researchers at Texas A&M University completed initial testing on Hylenr's lattice confinement fusion reactor using hydrogen-loaded nickel-palladium catalyst samples. The evaluation detected elevated thermal output, residual gases, and material changes without producing measurable gamma, X-ray, or neutron emissions. The company plans to conduct a second testing phase to evaluate measurement repeatability and quantitative calorimetry across multiple reactors. Hylenr's lattice fusion reactor showed thermal and gas signatures in Phase...
Nuclear NewsNEW SuperCritical Materials Partners with University of Michigan to Advance Offshore Uranium Recovery SySuperCritical Materials partnered with the University of Michigan to develop mechanical systems for extracting uranium from marine environments. The research program will focus on prototyping equipment to deploy and retrieve patented uranium adsorbent materials in ocean settings using university towing and wind-wave tanks. Oceans contain billions of metric tons of dissolved uranium that could supplement domestic fuel supplies. Researchers must engineer reliable methods to withstand marine stresses during repeated operating cycles. This engineering data will feed into cost modeling and future c...
Nuclear NewsNEW With federal funding windfall, X-energy advances small nuclear reactorThe Department of Energy awarded one billion dollars to X-energy for its advanced reactor project in Texas. The Amazon-backed startup will use the federal funds to deploy its novel Xe-100 reactors at a Dow Chemical facility by the early 2030s. The project relies on high-temperature gas-cooled technology and specialized TRISO fuel to supply carbon-free power and industrial heat. While federal funding helps offset high initial costs, the nascent industry must overcome strict regulatory reviews and budget pressures to prove commercial viability. The Amazon-backed firm is aiming to build up to 144...
Nuclear NewsNEW EM UpdateThe Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management hosted the 12th National Cleanup Workshop in Arlington, Virginia. Industry and government officials gathered to discuss ongoing remediation, private sector energy investments, and the transition of former cleanup sites into active energy hubs. Panelists highlighted new economic development and advanced nuclear projects taking shape at Department of Energy sites such as Oak Ridge and Idaho. Representatives emphasized that repurposing remediated land for data centers, fuel fabrication, and advanced reactors leverages an experienced nucl...
Nuclear NewsNEW Finding a nuclear nicheResearchers at the University of South Carolina are maintaining a comprehensive database and providing specialized material testing for molten salt nuclear reactors. Led by engineering professor Ted Besmann, the facility supports developers, national laboratories, and safety regulators across the nuclear industry. Molten salt reactors dissolve uranium in liquid mixtures, eliminating high-pressure water loops and reducing risks associated with traditional solid-fuel plants. As utilities seek smaller, scalable power sources to meet rising electricity demand, specialized thermodynamic data and te...
Nuclear NewsNEW Deep Fission and Youngquist Brothers Announce Collaboration on Deep, Large-Diameter Borehole DrillinDeep Fission and Youngquist Brothers are partnering to develop specialized drilling methods for underground small modular reactor installations. The collaboration leverages commercial drilling expertise to construct the deep, wide boreholes required for housing pressurized water reactors about a mile underground. The companies recently completed an equipment demonstration in Florida using a full-size prototype canister. FORT MYERS, Fla., September 21, 2026--Deep Fission, Inc. (Nasdaq: FISN) ("Deep Fission" or the "Company"), an advanced nuclear energy company working to place small modular pre...
Nuclear NewsNEW Idaho researchers develop new tool to advance nuclear research, nonproliferation missionsIdaho National Laboratory installed a mobile nuclear fuel chopping and decladding platform at its Moran facility. The modular system crimps, peels, and chops fuel rods to expose uranium cores for analysis. Researchers successfully completed the first radioactive test using actual Magnox fuel rods in May. Funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration, the equipment supports advanced fuel cycle development and nonproliferation missions. The adaptable hardware accommodates various fuel geometries and incorporates high-speed monitoring systems. This capability expands domestic processing...
Nuclear NewsNEW Progress Report on Palisades’ March to StartupHoltec International began loading fuel into the Palisades reactor vessel on August 30, 2026, entering Mode 6. During the process, a fuel assembly tilted, prompting a root cause evaluation and preparations for retrieval. Meanwhile, the plant successfully reconnected to its high voltage switchyard on September 11. The single unit, 767 megawatt facility remains offline as operators address the fuel handling event and complete required system testing. Progression toward commercial operation depends on resolving the affected assembly and securing necessary regulatory approvals from the Nuclear Reg...
Outage NewsNEW D.C. Cook 1 begins Fall 2026 refueling outageIndiana Michigan Power began a routine refueling outage at D.C. Cook 1 on 2026-09-19. The 1,009-MW Westinghouse 4-loop PWR started the maintenance period on the planned date with a scheduled duration of 32 days. The unit entered this refuel carrying a 1476-day unscheduled-outage-free streak after running about 91% of its typical 557-day operating cycle. The operator runs 1 other U.S. nuclear unit. The U.S. fleet today maintains a 92.8% capacity factor across 94 units, with 6 in refueling and 0 in unscheduled outages, alongside FitzPatrick. BRIDGMAN, MI. D.C. Cook 1 entered a refueling outage on Sep 19, 2026 . The unit started on the published date (Sep 19, 2026) with a planned 32-day outage running through Oct 21, 2026. Going into the refueling, the unit had run for more than 4 years witho...
Outage NewsNEW Davis-Besse trips offline, unscheduled outage underwayDavis-Besse began an unscheduled forced short outage on 2026-09-08. This event ended the unit's unscheduled-outage-free streak at 386 days. This is the first forced outage for the 894-MW Babcock and Wilcox PWR in 2026, matching the total count for all of 2025. Energy Harbor Nuclear Generation operates this unit along with three other U.S. nuclear units. Across the industry, 94 units are currently operating at a 95.4 percent capacity factor. Two units are currently in refueling outages, while Davis-Besse and Dresden 2 are the only two units in unscheduled outages at this time. OAK HARBOR, OH. A...
Outage NewsFitzPatrick begins Fall 2026 refueling outageFitzPatrick began a routine refueling outage on September 14, 2026, aligning exactly with its published schedule. The unit entered this maintenance period after completing 100 percent of its typical 729-day operating cycle and maintaining an unscheduled-outage-free streak of 720 days. The scheduled duration for this refueling outage is 17 days, which is shorter than the unit's 28.3-day average across 13 prior refuels. FitzPatrick, an 853-MW General Electric BWR/4 operated by Constellation Nuclear, recorded a 99.7 percent capacity factor during its 2025 cycle. Across the U.S. fleet, 94 units ar...
History & TriviaNEW This Hidden City In Tennessee Held One Of The World’s Most Closely-Guarded SecretsOak Ridge, Tennessee transformed rapidly from a rural farming town into a massive, classified site for the Manhattan Project during World War II. Thousands of workers labored in secrecy to produce material for the atomic weapons that ultimately brought an end to the global conflict. The historic site established strict security protocols and massive industrial infrastructure that laid the groundwork for modern nuclear research facilities. Today, the location preserves its wartime heritage while continuing to contribute to advancements in science, technology, and energy research within the nuclear sector. Oak Ridge Tennessee, is a massive secret hidden city that once held the location that built the first atom bomb that ended WWII. Government conspiracies, cover-ups, and secret military ope...
GeneralShift Test Engineer Career PathsI am doing my Shift Test Engineer initial qualification at a public shipyard. I'm going to complete my STE qualification but I have some doubts as to whether I am going to stay at this shipyard long-term. If after completing my initial qualification, I decide to go to a different shipyard, will I take my STE qualification with me and only have to cross-qualify to my new yard' platform(s) or will I be starting from scratch initial qualifying again?If I decide to go the commercial route, what are good departments for former STEs besides operations?
Nuclear SoftwareLooking for Rados softwareUpdate: I found out that Mirion bought Rados. I called Mirion and they informed me that they have discontinued the model and software. I haven't had any luck by reaching out to third parties.You're my only hope Obi-Wan :)









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