President Trump Signs Executive Orders to Revitalize U.S. Nuclear Energy Sector

On May 23, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed four executive orders aimed at revitalizing the U.S. nuclear energy sector. These directives seek to modernize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), expedite reactor licensing, and significantly expand nuclear capacity to meet national security and technological demands.

The executive orders mandate a comprehensive overhaul of the NRC to streamline the approval process for new nuclear reactors. Key reforms include establishing fixed deadlines for evaluating and approving licenses, with an 18-month deadline for new reactor construction and operation licenses. Additionally, the NRC is directed to adopt science-based radiation limits and revise regulations governing compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. These measures aim to reduce regulatory barriers and support the domestic nuclear industry.

A central goal of the executive orders is to increase U.S. nuclear capacity from approximately 100 gigawatts to 400 gigawatts by 2050. This ambitious target includes deploying advanced nuclear reactors to support national security objectives, such as powering artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and military installations. The Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DoD) are tasked with rapidly developing and deploying these reactors. Plans include building a nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation to commence operations within the next three years and designating AI data centers located at or operated in coordination with DOE facilities as critical defense facilities powered by advanced nuclear reactors.

To reduce dependence on foreign sources, the executive orders emphasize enhancing domestic nuclear fuel production. This includes maximizing domestic production of nuclear fuel through increased mining, enrichment, conversion, and deconversion capabilities. The initiatives also explore fuel recycling and reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Additionally, the DOE is directed to release at least 20 metric tons of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) into a fuel bank for private sector projects powering AI infrastructure at DOE sites.

In response to the executive orders, several industry developments have occurred. Westinghouse Electric Company is actively engaging with U.S. officials and industry partners to deploy ten large nuclear reactors following the directives. The company is well-positioned to implement this initiative due to its approved reactor design, established supply chain, and recent experience constructing two AP1000 reactors in Georgia. Dan Sumner, Westinghouse's interim CEO, highlighted ongoing discussions with the administration and emphasized the significance of financing, as indicated by interactions with the government’s loan programs office.

Fermi America announced the "Hypergrid" project, a large-scale energy infrastructure designed to power AI data centers. The facility will use a mix of nuclear, solar, battery, and natural gas power, including 4.4 gigawatts of nuclear energy with four Westinghouse AP1000 reactors. The project aligns with President Trump’s effort to quadruple U.S. nuclear energy capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050. Fermi plans to finance the project through equity, public incentives, and long-term data center lease agreements.

The executive orders and subsequent industry developments have several social and societal implications. By increasing domestic nuclear capacity and reducing reliance on foreign energy sources, the U.S. aims to enhance its energy security. The expansion of the nuclear sector is expected to create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs and stimulate economic growth. While nuclear energy is a low-carbon power source, environmental groups have raised safety concerns over reactors and their supply chains. Deploying advanced nuclear reactors to power AI infrastructure positions the U.S. as a leader in both nuclear technology and artificial intelligence.

President Trump's executive orders mark a significant shift in U.S. energy policy, aiming to revitalize the nuclear sector and address national security and technological needs. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation, industry collaboration, and addressing environmental and safety concerns.