nuclear power plant
A facility generating electricity from nuclear fission or fusion, usually with a reactor and associated supporting facilities.
A nuclear power plant is a facility where electric power is generated through atomic fission or fusion, nearly always through fission of uranium atoms. It usually includes a reactor, cooling tower(s), and waste handling facilities as well as other subsidiary structures.
The defining function is electricity production from a nuclear reaction. Handling uranium or radioactive waste without that generating function does not establish a nuclear power plant.
The definition includes fission and fusion as generating processes. Cooling towers and waste-handling buildings are usual associated facilities rather than a required architectural appearance.
Related definitions
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coal-burning power plant
A facility that generates electricity by converting energy released through coal combustion. -
geothermal power plant
A facility for generating electric power by harnessing heat energy from the earth's crust. -
heat generation
A central facility generating heat for distribution to other structures, usually through hot water or steam. -
hydroelectric power plant
A facility for generating electric power by harnessing naturally flowing water. -
natural gas power plant
A facility generating electricity by burning natural gas, a methane-rich fossil fuel. -
oil-burning power plant
A facility generating electricity by burning petroleum fuel and converting the released energy. -
solar power generation
A photovoltaic generating site, generally supplying electricity to a utility grid rather than only its host structure. -
tidal power harnessing
A facility generating electricity from the regular movement of ocean water caused by the tides. -
waste burning power plant
A facility for generating electric power by burning garbage and waste products. -
water/hydrogen power plant
A facility generating electricity from the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen, with water formed as a product. -
wind power generation
Electricity generation from wind turbines, including freestanding turbines and qualifying installations on other structures. -
wood-burning power plant
A facility that converts energy released by burning wood into usable electric power.