NAICS 221113 Quarterly Industry Report
Nuclear Electric Power Generation
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 221113Sector: Utilities (22)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Nuclear Electric Power Generation (NAICS 221113) draws on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics[5], U.S. Census Bureau, and SBA size standards database[6]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, energy analysts, and business brokers with current market data. The editorial analysis reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team, with all quantitative claims sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Definition & Overview
Nuclear Electric Power Generation (NAICS 221113) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in operating nuclear electric power generation facilities that use nuclear fission to produce electric energy per the U.S. Census Bureau[4]. Generated electricity is delivered to bulk power transmission systems or distribution networks. The U.S. nuclear fleet consists of approximately 94 operating commercial reactors at 54 plant sites across 28 states, producing roughly 18 percent of total national electricity generation.
Constellation Energy operates the largest domestic nuclear fleet at approximately 27.9 gigawatts of capacity, followed by Southern Nuclear, Duke Energy, and the Tennessee Valley Authority per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]. Nuclear plants achieve capacity factors above 92 percent, the highest of any generation technology, making them the most reliable baseload electricity source. Total nuclear generation reached 782 terawatt-hours in 2024. The workforce includes licensed reactor operators, health physics technicians, nuclear engineers, and security personnel operating under Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) oversight.
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[6], the size standard is 1,150 employees. The NRC regulates all aspects of nuclear plant construction, operation, and decommissioning through 10 CFR Part 50 and Part 52 licensing processes. Spent fuel management remains an unresolved policy challenge, with on-site dry cask storage serving as the interim solution at most plant locations. License renewal proceedings have extended operating lives of many plants from 40 to 60 years, with subsequent license renewal applications now seeking operation to 80 years. Growing electricity demand from data centers and artificial intelligence computing has renewed interest in nuclear power as a carbon-free baseload source.
What's Included in This Industry
- Pressurized water reactor operations
- Boiling water reactor operations
- Nuclear fuel loading and management
- Reactor safety monitoring and control
- Spent fuel storage and handling
- Radiation protection and health physics
- NRC regulatory compliance programs
- Security operations and access control
- Plant maintenance and refueling outages
- Environmental monitoring and reporting
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Utilities | 22 |
| Subsector | Utilities | 221 |
| Industry Group | Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | 2211 |
| NAICS Industry | Electric Power Generation | 22111 |
| National Industry | Nuclear Electric Power Generation | 221113 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 221121 | Electric Bulk Power Transmission and Control | Electric Bulk Power Transmission carries nuclear baseload electricity across high-voltage networks from plant sites to load centers, with nuclear output typically dispatched at full capacity around the clock |
| 221122 | Electric Power Distribution | Electric Power Distribution delivers nuclear-generated electricity to retail customers through local networks after receiving bulk power from transmission systems connected to generating stations |
| 221112 | Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation | Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation complements nuclear baseload by providing load-following and peaking capacity that adjusts to demand swings while nuclear runs at steady full output |
| 541330 | Engineering Services | Engineering Services design reactor systems, safety modifications, and plant upgrades during construction, license renewal, and power uprate projects at nuclear generating stations |
| 562211 | Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal | Hazardous Waste Treatment processes low-level radioactive waste and contaminated materials from nuclear plant operations and decommissioning activities at licensed disposal facilities |
| 541690 | Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services | Other Scientific and Technical Consulting provides nuclear safety analysis, probabilistic risk assessment, and regulatory compliance support to plant operators during NRC licensing proceedings |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | 15.5% | 23 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | 9.5% | 14 |
| 3 | Florida | 8.1% | 12 |
| 4 | New York | 7.4% | 11 |
| 5 | North Carolina | 6.8% | 10 |
| 6 | South Carolina | 6.1% | 9 |
| 7 | Louisiana | 5.4% | 8 |
| 8 | Texas | 5.4% | 8 |
| 9 | New Jersey | 4.7% | 7 |
| 10 | Michigan | 4.7% | 7 |
% Of Establishments
0%
16%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What companies operate nuclear power plants?
Constellation Energy operates the largest fleet at 27.9 gigawatts, followed by Southern Nuclear, Duke Energy, and TVA. About 94 reactors operate at 54 plant sites across 28 states per the U.S. Census Bureau[4]. The industry is highly concentrated among a few major utilities.
How much electricity does nuclear power produce?
Nuclear generation reached 782 terawatt-hours in 2024, providing roughly 18 percent of total U.S. electricity per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]. Nuclear capacity factors exceed 92 percent, the highest of any generation technology.
What is the SBA size standard for Nuclear Power Generation?
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[6], NAICS 221113 has a size standard of 1,150 employees. This determines eligibility for SBA loans, federal contracting set-asides, and small business programs.
What NAICS codes are related to nuclear power?
Related codes include NAICS 221121 (Transmission), NAICS 221122 (Distribution), NAICS 221112 (Fossil Fuel Generation), NAICS 541330 (Engineering), and NAICS 562211 (Hazardous Waste Treatment) per the U.S. Census Bureau[4].
How are nuclear plants regulated?
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) oversees all aspects of construction, operation, and decommissioning through 10 CFR Part 50 and Part 52 licensing. License terms run 40 years with renewal extending to 60 or 80 years.
What activities are included in NAICS 221113?
Core activities include pressurized and boiling water reactor operations, fuel management, safety monitoring, spent fuel storage, radiation protection, NRC compliance, security operations, plant maintenance, and environmental monitoring per the U.S. Census Bureau[4].
Can nuclear power businesses get SBA loans?
Yes, firms meeting the 1,150-employee standard qualify for SBA 7(a) loans[7] covering maintenance programs, equipment upgrades, and working capital. Specialized nuclear services contractors are the most likely small business applicants.
What is driving renewed interest in nuclear power?
Growing electricity demand from data centers and AI computing, carbon reduction targets, and high capacity factors have increased interest in nuclear as a reliable clean energy source per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[5]. License extensions and small modular reactor development are expanding the nuclear pipeline.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [5]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [6]SBA Table of Size Standards sba.gov
- [7]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [8]504/CDC loans sba.gov
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