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Please note!
This fact brief was originally published as an experiment to test the concepts behind fact briefs.
Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of useful information in fact briefs like this one, not all of them reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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FACT BRIEF

Is nuclear power a more reliable source of electricity than renewable alternatives?

By Jacob Alabab-Moser
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YES

According to the U.S. Energy Department, nuclear power has the highest capacity factor, or portion of time a power plant is actually producing electricity, out of all generating sources. Nuclear power plants require minimal maintenance and are designed to operate for long stretches before refueling. Because of this, nuclear plants are capable of producing maximum power for 93% of a given year, which makes nuclear power 2.5 to 3.5 times more reliable than wind and solar power.

In advanced economies, nuclear is the largest source of low-carbon electricity, providing 18% of supply in 2018, according to the International Energy Agency. This figure is set to decline in the future as existing plants near the end of their expected lives and aren't replaced. Nuclear power output in advanced economies could fall two-thirds by 2040.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Department of Energy: Nuclear power is the most reliable energy source
International Energy Agency: Nuclear power in a clean energy system
World Nuclear News: Investment in new nuclear declines to five-year low
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Gigafact
Between 2020 and 2022, under close editorial supervision, Gigafact contracted a group of freelance writers and editors to test the concepts for fact briefs and provide inputs to our software development process. We call this effort Gigafact Foundry. Over the course of these two years, Gigafact Foundry writers published over 1500 fact briefs in response to claims they found online. Their important work forms the basis of Gigafact formats and editorial guidelines, and is available to the public on Gigafact.org. Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of relevant information to be found, not all fact briefs produced by Gigafact Foundry reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date and need to be looked at with fresh eyes, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.