Capacity Factor
Capacity factor is the ratio of actual energy produced over a period to the maximum possible at full capacity. Nuclear plants average 90-93% annually.
Calculated as (actual kWh / (capacity kW * hours)). High factors reflect reliability; US fleet hit 92.7% in 2023. SMRs target >95% for economic viability.
Why it matters now
Investors prioritize >90% factors for 2025 restarts and SMR PPAs. Data centers seek reliable high-capacity nuclear.