The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a series of actions aimed at expanding the deployment of nuclear power in the United States, following directives from President Trump. The administration states that these efforts are intended to provide more affordable and reliable energy while reversing policies it says previously made energy more expensive and less dependable.
According to the administration, electricity prices increased by 30% under the Biden administration, a rate described as 13 times faster than in the previous seven years. Officials project that over 100 gigawatts (GW) of firm, reliable power were expected to retire by 2030, with only 22 GW anticipated to be added. The statement claims that without changes in policy direction after President Trump’s election, blackouts could have become much more frequent by 2030.
“Nuclear Power will play an important role in unleashing more affordable, reliable and secure electricity to the American people,” reads a statement from the DOE.
The department is working toward increasing U.S. nuclear capacity from about 100 GW in 2024 to a target of 400 GW by 2050. It highlights investments such as the Energy Dominance Financing Program (EDF), established under the Working Families Tax Cut, which supports development of new nuclear projects.
Recent DOE initiatives include:
– A $2.7 billion investment announced in January 2026 for domestic enrichment capabilities and support for low-enriched uranium supply chains.
– An $800 million award in December 2025 to TVA and Holtec for advancing small modular reactor deployment.
– The financial close on a $1 billion loan to Constellation for restarting the Crane Clean Energy Center on November 18, 2025.
– Strategic partnerships with Cameco Corporation and Brookfield Asset Management to develop Westinghouse’s nuclear technologies.
– Selection of four companies for Advanced Nuclear Fuel Line Pilot Projects as part of strengthening fuel supply chains.
– Conditional commitments made throughout August and April of 2025 for providing high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to U.S. companies addressing near-term fuel needs.
– Announcement of initial selections for President Trump’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program on August 12, 2025.
– Site selections for AI data center and infrastructure development on federal lands were revealed July 24, followed by a pilot program launch on July 16 focused on advanced reactors and fuel supply chains.
On May 23, President Trump issued four executive orders targeting advancement within the industry: deploying advanced reactor technologies for national security; reforming both regulatory oversight through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and testing at DOE facilities; and reinvigorating industrial capabilities related to nuclear energy.
In February last year, Secretary Wright signed his first Secretarial Order prioritizing commercial nuclear power expansion across the country.
“Building out the next generation of American nuclear is an investment in our growing energy needs today, and once built, will become another 80-year asset for future generations,” according to DOE statements.
Thanks to programs like EDF sponsorships and ongoing federal investments detailed above—including direct funding awards, loans and strategic public-private partnerships—the department continues its stated commitment toward achieving expanded nuclear capacity goals set forth by current policy directions.
