Byron Nuclear Power Plant, Illinois

The Byron Nuclear Power Plant is located in Byron, Illinois, approximately two miles east of the Rock River, from which it draws its cooling water, via a buried pipeline. It has two pressurized water reactors, and is owned and operated by Exelon Corporation. Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 have output capacities of 1,168MW. Unit 1's operating license was issued in 1985, while Unit 2's operating license was issued in 1987. Two 495-foot tall natural draft cooling towers, like those found at many of the 100 or so nuclear power stations in the country, make the site easy to see from miles around.