The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has outlined a series of recent actions aimed at expanding the role of nuclear power in the nation’s energy mix. The department’s efforts align with President Trump’s stated goal to increase American nuclear energy capacity from about 100 gigawatts (GW) in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050.
According to the DOE, the administration is working to reverse policies from previous years that it says led to higher energy costs and less reliable electricity supply. “The Trump administration is reversing the previous administration’s energy subtraction policies which made energy more expensive, and the grid less reliable,” the statement said.
Citing figures under the Biden administration, DOE claims that electricity prices rose by 30%, outpacing increases seen in prior years. The department also projects that without changes in policy, blackouts could have become significantly more frequent by 2030.
DOE describes its approach as a comprehensive effort involving investments in new reactors and domestic supply chains. “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,” according to the statement.
Among recent initiatives:
– In January 2026, DOE announced a $2.7 billion investment intended to strengthen domestic uranium enrichment and support new supply chains for advanced fuels.
– In December 2025, $800 million was awarded to TVA and Holtec for advancing small modular reactor deployment.
– On November 18, 2025, DOE finalized a $1 billion loan for Constellation’s Crane Clean Energy Center Restart project in Pennsylvania.
– In October 2025, a strategic partnership was established with Cameco Corporation and Brookfield Asset Management to accelerate Westinghouse reactor technology development domestically and internationally.
– Other steps include pilot programs for advanced fuel lines, commitments for high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), and site selections for AI data center infrastructure on federal lands.
In May 2025, President Trump issued four executive orders focused on national security applications for advanced reactors, reforms at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, changes in testing procedures at DOE facilities, and measures aimed at strengthening the U.S. nuclear industrial base.
Earlier actions this year included conditional commitments by DOE to provide HALEU fuel supplies for five U.S. developers and a Secretarial Order prioritizing commercial nuclear power.
“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,” said DOE officials.
Thanks to financing programs like Energy Dominance Financing Program established under recent tax legislation, DOE plans continued sponsorship of domestic nuclear projects.
Nuclear power is positioned as central to providing affordable and secure electricity nationwide under these initiatives.
