U.S. Aims to Triple Nuclear Energy Capacity by 2050 to Combat Climate Change

January 6, 2026

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 plan involves a multi-faceted approach, including extending the life of existing plants, restarting retired reactors, and deploying new advanced reactor designs.

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.
These targets align with global commitments to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 and secure a nuclear fuel supply chain independent of Russia.
Federal investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act are crucial for this expansion.

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. This expansion is seen as vital for both domestic energy security and that of allies.

New Deployment Targets and Strategies

At the U.N. climate summit (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the U.S. unveiled its new nuclear deployment targets. The plan includes adding 35 GW of new capacity by 2035 and reaching a deployment rate of 15 GW annually by 2040. This framework, the first of its kind for the U.S. nuclear sector, outlines over 30 government, industry, and customer actions to facilitate capacity expansion. These goals are in sync with international pledges to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 and establish a secure nuclear fuel supply chain free from Russian influence.

Building New Capacity and Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

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

Government Support and Future Outlook

Legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the ADVANCE Act are providing significant momentum by streamlining regulatory processes and offering tax incentives. These initiatives are supporting workforce and supply chain rebuilding, the restart of retired reactors, and the demonstration of new technologies. The U.S. is committed to ensuring a robust and independent nuclear fuel supply, aiming to avoid reliance on foreign entities. The success of these efforts is expected to create thousands of jobs and ensure communities are not left behind in the transition to a clean energy economy.