Once again, the nation’s commercial reactors are at the zenith of power plant efficiency levels.

In 2007, 104 reactors in 31 states achieved a median unit capability factor of 91.5 percent.  For the eighth consecutive year, unit capability factor—a plant’s ability to produce electricity around the clock—topped 90 percent, according to performance indicators compiled by the World Association of Nuclear Operators.

A related metric, capacity factor—a measure of total power generated as a percentage of the maximum power production—hit a record high of 91.8 percent in 2007.  This record capacity factor, together with other sector-leading nuclear industry indicators, led to U.S. nuclear power plants producing a record-high 806 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity last year.

Proving the nexus between excellent safety and operating performance, the U.S. nuclear industry sustained high levels of achievement in safety performance, industrial safety, unplanned automatic reactor shutdowns and programs to protect workers from radiation exposure.

“The 2007 performance indicators unquestionably demonstrate that the nuclear industry’s commitment to safety and efficient operations is resolute and the foundation for the production of reliable, affordable and clean electricity,” said Skip Bowman, president and chief executive officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute.

Bowman noted that existing plant performance is providing confidence for building new reactors, as evidenced by the nine construction permit applications filed by electric utilities with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Other highlights of nuclear plant performance in 2007 include:

* Industrial Safety.   The nuclear industry is one of the nation’s safest working environments.  U.S. nuclear plants continued to post a low industrial accident rate in 2007, with only 0.12 industrial accidents per 200,000 worker-hours.

* Unplanned Automatic Reactor Shutdowns.   The 2007 median industry value of 0.41 unplanned automatic shutdowns per plant set a record low, surpassing the 2010 median goal of 0.5 unplanned shutdowns per 7,000 hours of reactor operation.

* Safety System Performance.   For the 10th consecutive year, 96 percent or more of key safety systems met industry goals for availability.  In 2007, 97 percent of the key safety systems met their availability goals.  Nuclear plants have redundant safety systems, and backup power supplies to these systems are available, if needed, even when workers perform maintenance on a similar system or component.