Nuclear Power Plants in Illinois
The NRC lists 11 power reactor units at 6 plants in Illinois, plus 1 entry undergoing decommissioning.
Power reactors
| Plant | NRC location | Units (type) | Operator (per NRC) | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braidwood | 20 miles SSW of Joliet, IL |
| Constellation Energy Generation, LLC | View |
| Byron | 17 miles SW of Rockford, IL | Constellation Energy Generation, LLC | View | |
| Clinton | 23 miles SSE of Bloomington, IL |
| Constellation Energy Generation, LLC | View |
| Dresden | 25 miles SW of Joliet, IL | Constellation Energy Generation, LLC | View | |
| La Salle | 11 miles SE of Ottawa, IL |
| Constellation Energy Generation, LLC | View |
| Quad Cities | 20 miles NE of Moline, IL |
| Constellation Energy Generation, LLC | View |
NRC location text names the nearest city, which can be in another state. BWR means boiling water reactor and PWR means pressurized water reactor. Being on the NRC list shows a licensed power reactor unit, not that it is generating power today. Each unit's NRC page has its current status.
Sites undergoing decommissioning
- Dresden Unit 1, Morris, IL (map)
From the NRC's list of power reactor sites undergoing decommissioning. A site's status can change, so check its NRC page.
If you live near a plant
The NRC describes two emergency planning zones around a power reactor site, and says their size and shape vary by plant:
- About 10 miles (plume exposure). Plans aim to avoid or reduce dose, for example from breathing radioactive particles. Actions include sheltering, evacuation and potassium iodide pills where appropriate.
- About 50 miles (ingestion exposure). Plans aim to avoid or reduce dose from eating or drinking radioactive materials, including a ban on contaminated food and water.
These zones are described for power reactors. Ask your state office whether any applies to a site undergoing decommissioning.
To find out what applies to your address, ask your county emergency management office or the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security. A plant in a neighboring state can also cover your area, so check plants near your state line too.
In a nuclear power plant emergency, CDC says you may be asked to get inside a building and shelter rather than leave. Follow the instructions you are given. See what families should know and what FDA and CDC say about potassium iodide.