Nuclear energy refers specifically to nuclear fission — splitting the nucleus of a heavy atom, typically uranium or plutonium — to generate heat. This heat boils water to create steam that spins massive turbines to generate electricity. This approach to energy generation does not produce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or sulfur dioxide, protecting Pennsylvanians’ constitutional right to clean air and pure water.
Nuclear energy serves as one of Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s (Allegheny) most reliable assets for delivering safe, affordable, around the clock electricity to member cooperatives. Allegheny’s nuclear asset — the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (SSES) — provides stability and long-term affordability, demonstrating the durability of investments made early in the organization’s history. Allegheny owns 10% of SSES, a 2,600-MW, two-unit nuclear plant in Luzerne County, Pa. Pennsylvania-based Talen Energy Corporation owns the remaining 90%.
In 2025, Allegheny’s share of SSES provided approximately 1.86 billion kWh of electricity to Pennsylvania and New Jersey electric cooperatives, meeting approximately 51% of their needs.
Beyond its importance to electric cooperatives, nuclear energy powers 7.5 million homes in Pennsylvania — nearly 33% of the state’s electricity — consumers would pay $788 million more annually without nuclear power plants. The amount of electricity produced by a nuclear power plant would require about 45 square miles of photovoltaic panels or about 260 square miles of wind turbines.