Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a nuclear power plant?
It’s a big project that takes years of planning, strict oversight and a long-term commitment. But the full journey — from choosing the right location to delivering electricity to your home — is even more involved than you might think.
A recent example is the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia. Its newest units began operating in 2023 and 2024 — the first new nuclear reactors built in the U.S. in more than 30 years. Closer to home, our Salem Units 1 and 2 and Hope Creek Generating Stations in South Jersey began operating in 1977, 1981 and 1986. Decades later, they’re still delivering safe, reliable power to millions of people.
Here’s a look at what goes into building — and running — a nuclear power plant.
Step 1: Choosing the right location
Every power plant starts with one big question: Where should it go?
Engineers and regulators look for three key things:
- Access to water to cool the plant safely and efficiently
- Stable ground conditions
- Enough space for the plant and its supporting systems
They also consider how the plant will connect to transmission lines so electricity can move efficiently to homes and businesses.
Vogtle sits along the Savannah River for cooling water. Salem and Hope Creek were built along the Delaware River in Lower Alloways Creek Township — a location selected for its water access and suitability for large energy facilities.
Location matters because it affects safety, efficiency and how reliably we can deliver power to you.
Step 2: Permitting and oversight
Nuclear power plants are among the most closely regulated facilities in the world.
In the United States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) oversees licensing and safety. Before a plant is built, developers must submit detailed plans covering safety systems, environmental impacts and emergency preparedness.
For Vogtle, the expansion announced in 2009 received federal approval in 2012 — the first new U.S. nuclear project approved in decades.
Once a plant is operating, oversight doesn’t stop. Facilities like Salem and Hope Creek undergo regular inspections and license renewals. There are monthly, quarterly and annual reviews to ensure they continue meeting strict safety and environmental standards.
That continuous oversight is one of the reasons nuclear plants are designed to operate safely for many decades.
Step 3: Community engagement
Because nuclear plants are large and highly visible, it’s natural for people to have questions.
That’s why community outreach is a key part of the process from the very beginning. Plant operators hold public meetings, explain how safety systems work and address concerns about emergency planning and environmental impacts.
We’ve seen firsthand how long-term engagement builds trust. Our Salem and Hope Creek facilities are major employers in South Jersey and support education programs, environmental stewardship efforts and local partnerships.
These relationships matter. Reliable energy is only possible when the communities we serve feel informed and supported.
Step 4: Construction
Building a nuclear power plant is a long-term effort. From planning to operation, it can take a decade or more.
Construction on Vogtle Units 3 and 4 began in 2013. Unit 3 entered service in July 2023, and Unit 4 followed in April 2024.
Why does it take so long?
- The technology is complex.
- Components must meet exacting standards.
- Every stage is carefully reviewed and inspected.
These projects also require significant investment. Vogtle’s expansion reached nearly $37 billion. While that number is substantial, nuclear plants produce a large amount of electricity and are built to operate for many decades.
Salem and Hope Creek were built in a different economic era, but their long service lives show how nuclear investments continue delivering value over time.
Step 5: Generating electricity
Once online, nuclear plants provide large amounts of carbon-free electricity around the clock.
Unlike energy sources that depend on the weather, nuclear plants can operate continuously for months at a time before refueling.
- Vogtle’s four reactors now generate more than 4,500 megawatts of electricity — enough to power roughly one million homes.
- Salem and Hope Creek together produce more than 3,500 megawatts and generate over 40% of New Jersey’s electricity.
That steady output makes nuclear energy a critical part of the state’s energy mix — especially as we work toward a cleaner energy future.
Why nuclear energy matters
One of nuclear energy’s biggest strengths is reliability.
In the U.S., nuclear plants operate at about 91% of their maximum capacity on average. That means they’re producing electricity nearly all the time. Other sources, including fossil fuels and renewables, operate at lower averages for different reasons — especially when weather conditions change.
That consistent performance helps keep the lights on through heat waves, cold snaps and everything in between.
We’re focused on powering a future where people use energy more efficiently — and it’s safer and delivered more reliably than ever. Nuclear energy plays an important role in that mission. It anchors our energy system, supports climate goals and helps ensure dependable service for the communities we’re proud to serve.
Because at the end of the day, building and operating a nuclear plant isn’t just about megawatts. It’s about providing safe, reliable power you can count on — today and for decades to come.
