Critical Infrastructure Sector- Nuclear Reactors, Materials and Waste Sector

Nuclear Reactors, Materials and Waste Sector

Sector Overview

Nuclear power accounts for approximately 20 percent of the nation's electrical generation, provided by 104 commercial nuclear reactors licensed to operate at 65 nuclear power plants throughout the United States. The sector includes nuclear power plants; non-power nuclear reactors used for research, testing, and training; manufacturers of nuclear reactors or components; radioactive materials used primarily in medical, industrial, and academic settings; nuclear fuel cycle facilities; decommissioned nuclear power reactors; and the transportation, storage, and disposal of nuclear and radioactive waste.

The sector is interdependent with other critical infrastructure sectors, including:

• Chemical as a consumer of hazardous chemicals at fuel cycle facilities;
• Energy as a supplier of electricity to the nation's electrical grid;
• Healthcare and Public Health as a supplier of nuclear medicine, radiopharmaceuticals and in the sterilization of blood and surgical supplies; and
• Transportation Systems through the movement of radioactive materials

Read the Nuclear Sector Snapshot (PDF, 2 pages - 1.24 KB)

Sector-Specific Plan

The Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector-Specific Plan (PDF, 142 pages – 1.56 MB) details how the National Infrastructure Protection Plan risk management framework is implemented within the context of the unique charcteristics and risk landscape of the sector. Each Sector-Specific Agency develops a sector-specific plan through a coordinated effort involving its public and private sector partners. The Department of Homeland Security is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector.

Sector Resources

For resources available to Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector partners, check out the links on the right hand sidebar.

Last Published Date: November 14, 2014