U.S. Aims to Triple Nuclear Energy Capacity by 2050 to Meet Climate Goals

December 23, 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 achieve net-zero emissions. 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 sustain a pace of 15 GW annually by 2040.
These targets align with global efforts 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.

Setting New Deployment Targets

At the U.N. climate summit (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the U.S. Department of Energy unveiled its plan to meet future power demands and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This requires an estimated 200 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear capacity. The newly established framework outlines over 30 government actions, alongside industry and customer collaborations, to facilitate this expansion.

Nuclear power is currently the nation’s largest source of clean energy, preventing over 470 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The new targets are a critical component of the Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, aiming to lower emissions, stimulate the economy, and enhance national security.

The Path to Net-Zero

Achieving these ambitious deployment goals necessitates building new reactors at a pace not seen since the 1970s. This will rely on standardized designs, advanced manufacturing techniques, 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 for commercial and military applications.

This expansion will require developing new infrastructure, supply chains, and fuel cycles. Utilities and power customers will need to collaborate to share project risks. Additionally, increasing power output at existing facilities and restarting retired reactors will be vital for bringing more capacity online, creating numerous jobs across the country.

Building New Capacity

Preliminary research indicates that many existing nuclear power plant sites could accommodate up to 60 GW of new capacity using large-scale light-water reactors. This figure could rise to 95 GW with the inclusion of small modular reactors. Many of these sites were initially designed for additional units, offering opportunities to expedite licensing processes.

Furthermore, an additional 128 to 174 GW of new capacity could be developed near former U.S. coal plant sites, particularly with small modular reactors. These smaller reactors require less upfront capital, making them more accessible. They can also leverage existing infrastructure and local workforces, ensuring a just transition to a net-zero economy.

Recent legislative actions, including the ADVANCE Act, have streamlined regulatory processes and created momentum for the domestic nuclear sector. The U.S. is working to restart retired reactors, demonstrate new technologies, and secure a reliable supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium, reducing dependence on foreign entities like Russia.