Report Outlines Ambitious Path to Expand U.S. Nuclear Energy Capacity
A new policy report has laid out a roadmap to significantly expand U.S. nuclear power generation by 2050, an ambition that aligns with former President Donald Trump’s push for a domestic “nuclear energy renaissance.” The study, produced by the Working Group on U.S. Nuclear Energy Dominance, calls for a fourfold increase in America’s nuclear capacity to meet soaring electricity demand and bolster energy security.
The task force—chaired by Todd Abrajano of the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council and co-sponsored by policy nonprofits—argues that nuclear energy is fundamental to U.S. economic competitiveness and global influence. Its recommendations land as the Trump White House directs federal agencies to accelerate reactor construction and streamline regulations, framing nuclear power as critical to powering energy-hungry industries such as artificial intelligence.
The Current U.S. Energy Landscape
Nuclear power currently provides 17.8% of U.S. electricity, a steady output from the nation’s fleet of over 90 reactors with roughly 95 gigawatts of capacity. By contrast, fossil fuels—led by natural gas (42.5%) and coal (14.9%)—still dominate the grid, accounting for 58.1% of total generation. Renewables, including wind (10.3%) and solar (6.9%), contribute 24.1%. The analysis stresses that a major nuclear build-out is essential to support projected growth in power demand from data centers and heavy industry while also helping cut carbon emissions.
Ambitious Goals, Significant Hurdles
The group envisions scaling nuclear capacity to nearly 400 gigawatts by mid-century, quadrupling today’s levels. It concludes such an expansion is technically possible but requires overcoming serious barriers, including:
Complex regulations and slow permitting that drive up costs.
Fuel supply vulnerabilities, especially producing high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for next-gen reactors.
Workforce shortages, with an estimated 375,000 additional skilled workers—from engineers and technicians to construction specialists—needed to deliver projects at this scale.
Rising international competition from state-backed nuclear programs in China and Russia.
Despite these challenges, the study points to surging private-sector momentum. Tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have signed nuclear power purchase agreements or invested directly in projects, signaling growing confidence in the sector as a reliable, carbon-free source of energy.
A Call for Coherent National Strategy
The authors urge a “whole-of-government” approach to align energy, trade, and regulatory policy. Stable, long-term federal backing, they argue, is crucial to give investors and developers certainty. At the same time, they caution that while efficiency reforms are vital, the stringent safety standards that define the U.S. nuclear industry must remain a global benchmark.
The vision is of a revitalized nuclear sector that does more than generate electricity: it would reinforce U.S. energy independence, create hundreds of thousands of high-skill jobs, and extend American technological leadership abroad. With sustained political and institutional commitment, the authors contend, nuclear power could become the backbone of America’s future energy system.