U.S. Aims to Triple Nuclear Energy Capacity by 2050 in Climate Push

December 9, 2025

The United States has announced ambitious targets to significantly expand its nuclear energy capacity, aiming to triple it by 2050. This strategic move is designed to bolster energy security, drive economic growth, and meet net-zero emissions goals. The initiative leverages recent legislative investments and aims to overcome past economic challenges that led to plant closures.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. aims to add 35 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2035 and sustain a pace of 15 GW annually by 2040.
This aligns with a global commitment to triple nuclear capacity by 2050.
New legislation and investments are crucial for expanding domestic capacity and securing fuel supply chains.

Powering the Future with Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power is a cornerstone of the nation’s clean energy strategy, currently accounting for the largest source of carbon-free electricity and preventing over 470 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. To meet future energy demands and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates a need for an additional 200 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear capacity. These new deployment targets were established at the U.N. climate summit (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Strategies for Expansion

The plan to triple nuclear capacity involves a multi-faceted approach. This includes building new reactors at a pace not seen since the 1970s, emphasizing design standardization and advanced manufacturing techniques. Both large-scale light-water reactors and new small modular and microreactor designs are expected to contribute. Furthermore, efforts are underway to extend the operational life of existing facilities and restart retired reactors, creating significant employment opportunities.

Building New Capacity and Overcoming Challenges

Preliminary research indicates that many existing nuclear power plant sites could accommodate substantial new capacity, potentially hosting up to 60 GW with large-scale reactors and an additional 95 GW with small modular reactors. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, along with legislation like the ADVANCE Act, are providing critical financial support and streamlining regulatory processes. The U.S. is also focused on rebuilding its domestic supply chains and securing a reliable fuel supply, independent of foreign entities like Russia.

The success of projects like the AP1000 reactors in Georgia and efforts to restart retired reactors in Michigan and Pennsylvania demonstrate the momentum behind this nuclear renaissance. By bringing stakeholders together and fostering innovation in advanced reactor designs, the U.S. is positioning itself to meet its climate and energy security objectives.