The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a series of initiatives aimed at expanding the nation's nuclear power capacity and strengthening domestic supply chains for nuclear fuel, as part of efforts to meet growing energy demands and enhance grid reliability.
According to the DOE, these actions are in line with President Trump's goal to increase American nuclear energy capacity from about 100 gigawatts (GW) in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050. The department highlighted that building new nuclear infrastructure is seen as an investment for both current and future generations.
"The Department of Energy (DOE) is fully committed to unleashing America’s next nuclear renaissance, from reinvigorating domestic supply chains to delivering gigawatts of new reactors," the agency stated. "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."
Several recent actions were outlined by the DOE:
- In January 2026, a $2.7 billion investment was announced to strengthen domestic enrichment capabilities for low-enriched uranium (LEU), aiming to boost U.S. capacity and support innovation in high-assay low-enriched uranium.
- In December 2025, $800 million was awarded to TVA and Holtec International to advance deployment of small modular reactors.
- On November 18, 2025, DOE closed a $1 billion loan with Constellation for the Crane Clean Energy Center Restart project in Pennsylvania.
- An October partnership between the U.S. government, Cameco Corporation, and Brookfield Asset Management aims to accelerate development of Westinghouse’s reactor technologies domestically and internationally.
- Other initiatives included pilot projects supporting advanced nuclear fuel lines and commitments providing high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) supplies for near-term industry needs.
Additionally, President Trump issued four executive orders in May 2025 focused on deploying advanced reactor technologies for national security purposes, reforming regulatory oversight at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, updating testing procedures at DOE facilities, and strengthening the industrial base related to nuclear power.
Secretary Wright also issued a Secretarial Order prioritizing commercial nuclear power expansion early in February 2025.
The DOE indicated that programs such as the Energy Dominance Financing Program—established under the Working Families Tax Cut—will continue supporting development of new U.S. nuclear projects.
The department underscored its commitment: "Thanks to the Energy Dominance Financing Program (EDF), established under the Working Families Tax Cut, the Energy Department will continue to sponsor the development of nuclear projects in the U.S."
These efforts are intended not only to provide more affordable electricity but also improve reliability across America's power grid.
