The First Nuclear Power Plant Supplies Electricity to a Grid

Setting the scene

Nuclear reactors had powered submarines, but planners debated whether atomic energy could safely supply civilian electricity alongside coal and hydro plants.

What happened

The Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union connected to the electrical grid in June 1954, becoming the world's first plant to generate electricity for public use.

Why it still matters

Obninsk opened the era of civilian nuclear power amid Cold War secrecy and later competition between Soviet and Western reactor designs. Memorable detail: the plant operated near Moscow for decades before decommissioning in 2002.

Background

Civilian nuclear energy began amid Cold War secrecy.