Baseload Power
Continuous electricity generation from plants operating at maximum output nearly 24/7 to meet minimum grid demand. Nuclear excels here with 90-95% capacity factors.
Baseload power anchors grids, providing stability unlike variable renewables. Nuclear plants like AP1000 achieve 92% average capacity factor per IAEA data. In markets, baseload commands premium pricing over peaker plants.
Why it matters now
Baseload demand surges in 2025-2026 from data centers seeking firm power, boosting nuclear PPAs and restarts. It counters renewable intermittency amid HALEU and SMR deployment bottlenecks.