The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a series of measures aimed at accelerating the deployment of nuclear power in the country, aligning with President Trump’s energy policy goals. The administration is seeking to make energy more affordable and reliable, highlighting the importance of nuclear power for meeting these objectives.
According to the DOE, previous energy policies led to higher electricity prices and concerns about grid reliability. The department noted that under the Biden administration, electricity prices rose by 30%, which was much faster than in earlier years. It also stated that projections showed over 100 gigawatts (GW) of reliable power could retire by 2030, while only 22 GW were expected to be added. Without recent policy changes, the risk of blackouts would have significantly increased.
Nuclear power is described as a key element in providing affordable, reliable, and secure electricity nationwide. The DOE reiterated its commitment to expanding American nuclear capacity from approximately 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050. “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 the department.
To support this expansion, the DOE cited several recent initiatives:
– In January 2026, it announced a $2.7 billion investment aimed at strengthening domestic uranium enrichment and supporting supply chains for both low-enriched uranium and high-assay low-enriched uranium.
– In December 2025, $800 million was awarded to TVA and Holtec for advancing small modular reactor deployment.
– On November 18, 2025, DOE closed on a $1 billion loan with Constellation for restarting the Crane Clean Energy Center in Pennsylvania.
– In October 2025, a strategic partnership was formed between the U.S. government and private firms Cameco Corporation and Brookfield Asset Management to develop Westinghouse nuclear technologies domestically and abroad.
– Additional actions include selecting companies for advanced fuel projects, making commitments to provide enriched uranium fuel for near-term needs, initiating pilot programs for advanced reactors and infrastructure development on federal lands.
On May 23, 2025, President Trump issued four executive orders focused on deploying advanced reactor technologies for national security purposes; reforming both the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and testing processes at DOE; as well as reinvigorating the nation’s nuclear industrial base.
“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.” said DOE officials.
Earlier in February 2025, Secretary Wright signed his first Secretarial Order prioritizing commercial nuclear power growth within America.
These efforts are intended not only to address immediate fuel needs but also restore domestic supply chains required for a significant increase in nuclear capacity by mid-century.
