References
The New Mexico Nuclear Alliance is committed to providing accurate, transparent, and well-documented information. All facts, figures, and data presented on this website are supported by credible sources, including federal agencies, research institutions, and industry reports. Below is a list of references used throughout our site for your review.
1. Nuclear Provides Nearly 1/5 of U.S. Electricity
According to the World Nuclear Association, U.S. nuclear reactors produced 779 TWh of electricity in 2023, accounting for approximately 19% of total U.S. electricity generation.
Similarly, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that in 2023, nuclear power made up 18.6% of total U.S. electricity generation
2. Nuclear Is Carbon-Free and Operates 24/7 (High Reliability)
The same World Nuclear Association source notes that since 2001, U.S. nuclear plants have maintained an average capacity factor of over 90%, with a record 94% in 2019.
The EIA also confirmed that nuclear plants achieved an average capacity factor of 92.7% in 2022, outperforming virtually all other power sources.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy reinforces this, stating that nuclear power plants operate at more than 92% capacity factor, making them some of the most reliable energy sources available
3. U.S. Nuclear: Emissions Avoided
Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI): Every year, nuclear-generated electricity saves our atmosphere from more than 470 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions that would otherwise come from fossil fuels.
NEI Historical Data Table: Shows annual CO₂ emissions avoided, from 476 million metric tons in 2021 to higher values in earlier years.
DOE/NE Article: States that the U.S. avoided more than 471 million metric tons of CO₂ emissions in 2020 thanks to nuclear energy.
4. Safety Claims
Our World in Data – “Safest Sources of Energy”: Highlights that nuclear energy results in virtually zero deaths per year, based on an average death rate of about 0.03 deaths per terawatt-hour (TWh), one death every ~33 years for a hypothetical town using 1 TWh annually. Provides context comparing this to coal, oil, gas, and renewables.
Visual Capitalist: “Safest and Deadliest Energy Sources: Data visual displaying that nuclear, wind, and solar have fewer than 0.1 deaths per TWh, placing them among the safest energy sources available.
5: Carbon-Free Energy
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – Office of Nuclear Energy: “Nuclear energy is America’s largest source of clean energy. Nuclear power plants produce zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): “Nuclear power produces virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. It also does not emit air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulates that contribute to smog, acid rain, and health problems.