Catawba Nuclear Station
2.3 GW nuclear power plant in United States of America
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1985, Catawba Nuclear Station is a nuclear power plant located in United States of America with an installed capacity of 2.3 GW. It is operated by Duke Energy.
Why It Matters
Catawba Nuclear Station is a major source of low-carbon baseload electricity for United States of America, producing enough power for roughly 1.7 million US-equivalent households per year. Nuclear plants like this one operate at very high capacity factors (~90%), meaning they generate near their full nameplate capacity around the clock—a profile that complements variable renewables like wind and solar.
Environmental Impact
Compared to a coal-fired plant of the same output, Catawba Nuclear Station prevents approximately 17.3 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Nuclear plants do produce radioactive waste, but the volume is small (a single household's lifetime nuclear waste fits in a soda can) and storage technology has improved significantly over the past 40 years.
Fun Facts
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 1.7 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 41 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Catawba Nuclear Station produce?▾
Catawba Nuclear Station has an installed nameplate capacity of 2.3 GW. At typical capacity factors for nuclear plants (~92%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 1.7 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Catawba Nuclear Station located?▾
Catawba Nuclear Station is located in United States of America at approximately 35.0517°, -81.0689°.
When was Catawba Nuclear Station built?▾
Catawba Nuclear Station was commissioned in 1985.
Who owns Catawba Nuclear Station?▾
Catawba Nuclear Station is owned and operated by Duke Energy.
About Nuclear Power
Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate heat, which produces steam to drive turbines. They provide reliable baseload power with virtually no direct carbon emissions, though they produce radioactive waste.
Other Nuclear Power Plants in United States of America
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Vogtle Electric Generating Plant | 4.5 GW | Georgia Power |
| Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station | 3.9 GW | Arizona Public Service |
| Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant | 3.5 GW | Tennessee Valley Authority |
| Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station | 2.8 GW | Constellation Energy |
| South Texas Nuclear Generating Station | 2.7 GW | NRG Energy |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.