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Celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day
Each year, on December 2, people around the world celebrate the benefits of nuclear energy. Palo Verde Generating Station will join others in recognizing World Nuclear Energy Day, which raises awareness of the many positive contributions that nuclear energy makes to our society.
Why December 2? This date was selected to acknowledge both the first date for a self-sustaining chain reaction (with Chicago Pile-1, created by physicist Enrico Fermi) and the date of the start-up of the first commercial-scale electric power reactor. In a tribute to Fermi, the first commercial-sized power reactor started on December 2, 1957, 15 years after Chicago Pile-1.
The theme of this year’s World Nuclear Energy Day is Critical Mass. That’s a term in nuclear physics to represent the minimum amount of fissionable material to support a self-sustaining chain reaction. It can also mean a point when something drives actions and behaviors of a large number of people. Surveys now consistently show more than 50% of adults favor more nuclear energy – a critical mass of support for this clean, resilient energy source.
Palo Verde Generating Station is one of the nation’s largest producers of carbon-free electricity. As the heart of the APS generation fleet, it provides the foundation for the reliable service our customers know they can count on. The plant is a critical asset to the Southwest, generating more than 32 million megawatt-hours annually – enough power for more than 4 million homes and businesses.
Palo Verde has three of the nation’s 94 nuclear reactors. These reactors, located in 28 states, generate nearly 20% of the nation’s electricity, all without carbon emissions. The plants are supporting the grid 24/7, year-round.
Please join us on December 2 to celebrate the people who design, build, operate and support the broad range of technologies that are part of nuclear energy. Learn more about World Nuclear Energy Day.
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