US Aims to Triple Nuclear Energy Capacity by 2050 to Combat Climate Change

December 2, 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 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.
This initiative aligns with global efforts 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 to this expansion.

Powering the Future with Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power is currently the largest source of clean electricity in the U.S., 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 allied nations.

Strategies for Nuclear Deployment

The newly established framework, unveiled at the U.N. climate summit (COP29), outlines over 30 government actions to support industry and power customers in expanding nuclear capacity. Key strategies include:

Building New Reactors: The plan emphasizes building new reactors at a pace not seen since the 1970s, leveraging design standardization and new manufacturing techniques. This includes large-scale light-water reactors and advanced small modular and microreactor designs.
Optimizing Existing Infrastructure: Preliminary research suggests that many existing nuclear power plant sites could host an additional 60 GW of capacity with large-scale reactors, and up to 95 GW with small modular reactors. Additionally, sites near former coal plants could potentially accommodate 128 to 174 GW of new capacity.
Leveraging Retired and Existing Facilities: Efforts are underway to extend the operational life of existing plants, restart retired reactors, and implement power upgrades to maximize current capacity.

Economic and Security Implications

This expansion is expected to create thousands of jobs across the country, particularly in communities that previously relied on fossil fuel industries. The development of small modular reactors, requiring less upfront capital, is seen as a way to make nuclear power more accessible. Furthermore, securing a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain, free from foreign influence, is a critical component of the strategy, enhancing national security. Legislation like the ADVANCE Act is also streamlining regulatory processes to accelerate deployment.