Trump Signs Executive Orders to Fast-Track Nuclear Energy Expansion with SMRs

On July 31, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at rapidly expanding the United States' nuclear energy sector, with a particular emphasis on the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). These directives mandate the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to expedite the construction of SMRs to meet the increasing power demands from sectors such as artificial intelligence and data centers.

The plan sets ambitious targets, including achieving operational status for three civilian pilot SMRs by July 4, 2026, and a military reactor within three years. To facilitate this acceleration, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is instructed to streamline licensing processes and expedite environmental reviews. The initiative also emphasizes deploying reactors on DOE and DOD lands to avoid permitting delays. While the projects will not receive direct federal funding, applicants are required to cover all construction, operation, and decommissioning costs, with the DOE providing federal resources during the application process. The overarching goal is to increase U.S. nuclear capacity from 100 gigawatts to 400 gigawatts by 2050.

Small modular reactors are a class of nuclear reactors that are smaller in size and power output compared to traditional nuclear reactors. They are designed for modular construction, allowing for factory fabrication and subsequent assembly on-site, which can reduce construction times and costs. SMRs typically produce up to 300 megawatts of electricity, making them suitable for smaller grids and locations where larger reactors are not feasible. Their design emphasizes enhanced safety features, including passive safety systems that can operate without human intervention.

The executive orders also direct the NRC to establish an expedited pathway to approve reactor designs tested by the DOE or DOD, focusing solely on risks arising from new applications permitted by NRC licensure. Additionally, the NRC is instructed to establish a process for high-volume licensing of microreactors and modular reactors, including standardized applications and approvals.

The expansion of nuclear energy capacity aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security. The development and deployment of SMRs could create jobs in manufacturing, construction, and operation sectors. Nuclear energy offers a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. The success of this initiative may influence public opinion on nuclear energy, especially concerning safety and environmental impact.

President Trump's executive orders mark a significant policy shift aimed at rapidly expanding the U.S. nuclear energy sector through the development and deployment of SMRs. This initiative involves multiple federal agencies and seeks to address energy demands from emerging technologies while aiming to increase national nuclear capacity substantially by 2050.