U.S. Aims to Triple Nuclear Energy Capacity by 2050, Setting Ambitious New Targets

January 6, 2026

The United States has announced ambitious new targets to significantly expand its nuclear energy capacity, aiming to triple it by 2050. This strategic move is designed to bolster energy security, combat climate change, and drive economic growth. The plan involves adding substantial new nuclear power generation through a combination of new reactor deployments, extensions of existing plant operations, and restarts of retired facilities.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. aims to add 35 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2035 and achieve a sustained pace of 15 GW per year by 2040.
This initiative aligns with global pledges to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 and secure a nuclear fuel supply chain independent of Russia.
Legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act are providing crucial investments and incentives.

Driving Towards Net-Zero Emissions

Nuclear power is currently the largest source of clean energy in the United States, 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, marking a significant step in the nation’s clean energy strategy.

Building New Capacity and Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

Achieving these targets will require building new reactors at a pace not seen since the 1970s. This expansion will rely on design standardization, advanced manufacturing techniques, and lessons learned from past projects. Both large-scale reactors and new small modular and microreactor designs are expected to contribute to meeting diverse energy needs. Preliminary research suggests that existing nuclear power plant sites could host up to 60 GW of new capacity, with potential for an additional 95 GW using small modular reactors. Furthermore, sites near former U.S. coal plants could potentially add between 128 to 174 GW of new capacity, leveraging existing infrastructure and local workforces.

Momentum and Future Outlook

Recent legislative actions, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the ADVANCE Act, have created significant momentum for the domestic nuclear sector. These policies provide essential investments, tax incentives, and streamlined regulatory processes. Efforts are underway to restart retired reactors, demonstrate new technologies, and secure a reliable supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium, reducing dependence on foreign entities. The goal is to ensure that workers like those at the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, who faced potential job losses, can continue contributing to the nation’s energy future.