Overview
Braidwood Generation Station is a 2,449.8 MW nuclear power plant in Illinois, USA, operated by Exelon Nuclear. It provides baseload electricity to the regional grid.
Braidwood Generation Station is a nuclear power plant located in Braceville, Illinois, United States. With a capacity of 2,449.8 MW, it is one of the largest nuclear facilities in the country, supplying reliable baseload power to the Midwest grid. The plant is operated by Exelon Nuclear and has been in operation since the late 1980s. The facility uses pressurized water reactor technology, a common design for nuclear power plants in the United States. It operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which enforces strict safety and environmental standards. The plant's large capacity and nuclear fuel source result in negligible CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. Braidwood Generation Station plays a critical role in the regional power system, providing stable electricity to millions of customers. Its operation supports grid reliability and contributes to Illinois' energy mix, which includes nuclear, natural gas, and renewables. The plant's environmental footprint is primarily related to spent fuel management and water usage for cooling.
Environmental context
The plant is situated in a rural area of Will County, Illinois, with low population density. Its nuclear fuel cycle produces no direct air emissions, but thermal discharge to the Kankakee River and spent fuel storage are key environmental considerations. The facility adheres to NRC regulations for radiological protection and water quality standards.
Frequently asked questions
Braidwood Generation Station is located in Braceville, Illinois, United States, approximately 60 miles southwest of Chicago.
Braidwood Generation Station has a capacity of 2,449.8 megawatts (MW), making it one of the largest nuclear power plants in the United States.
Braidwood Generation Station is owned and operated by Exelon Nuclear, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation.
Braidwood Generation Station operates under the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations, which govern safety, security, and environmental protection for nuclear facilities.
Braidwood Generation Station uses pressurized water reactors (PWRs), a common nuclear reactor design that uses water as both coolant and moderator.