President Donald Trump recently issued four executive orders aimed at boosting the domestic nuclear deployment. These orders, which seek to quadruple nuclear power capacity by 2050, are meant to reclaim leadership in the nuclear technology space — a critical effort for national security and competitive AI advancements.
Here is a look at each of the four orders:
- Reinvigorating the nuclear industrial base. This order seeks to secure energy independence and strengthen national security by accelerating the licensing process for nuclear reactors and expanding the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. It also addresses the slow growth in nuclear capacity as well as reliance on foreign nuclear fuel sources. It sets ambitious goals for expanding domestic capabilities. To reduce the reliance on foreign sources, the order also mandates accelerated licensing for nuclear reactors and the expansion of domestic nuclear fuel production.
The executive order notes that the U.S. has added nuclear capacity at a fraction of the speed of other nations. It outlines plans to quadruple nuclear power production over the next 25 years, emphasizing the need for a robust domestic fuel cycle and advanced reactor technologies. A key component of the order is the formation of voluntary agreements with domestic nuclear companies to enhance capabilities in spent fuel management, recycling and reprocessing. - Deploying advanced nuclear reactor technologies for national security. This order mandates the rapid deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors and Generation III reactors, for broader grid support and national defense applications. Under the directive, the Department of Defense — led by the Secretary of the Army — will establish a nuclear energy program at a domestic military base by Sept. 30, 2028. The Department of Energy (DOE) will provide technical and regulatory support to see that these reactors meet national security needs.
Additionally, the order emphasizes international collaboration, tasking the Secretary of State with securing new agreements for peaceful nuclear cooperation while promoting U.S. nuclear technology exports. This aligns with the administration's goal to position U.S. nuclear companies as preferred global partners, enhancing both technological superiority and economic security.
- Ordering the reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This order is meant to reduce regulatory barriers and facilitate the development of advanced nuclear technologies. The directive addresses the NRC's lengthy and costly licensing process, which has been criticized for stifling innovation and limiting deployment of new reactor designs.
The order mandates a comprehensive review and revision of current regulations, with a focus on efficiency and technological advancement. Trump's plan includes increasing American nuclear capacity from 100 GW to 400 GW by 2050, employing emerging technologies to accelerate the testing and approval of reactor designs. The NRC will undergo structural and cultural reforms to align with congressional directives, to see that its mission supports both safety and the expansion of nuclear energy. The order also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the United States' reputation for nuclear safety while promoting economic growth and energy independence. - Reforming nuclear reactor testing at the DOE. This order aims to reform the national laboratory process for reactor testing, expediting the review and approval of advanced reactors under the DOE’s jurisdiction. This move is designed to bolster the U.S.'s position as a leader in nuclear innovation while reducing dependence on foreign technology.
Central to the order is a pilot program to construct and operate reactors outside the national laboratories, with a target to achieve operational status by July 2026. The administration emphasizes nuclear energy's strategic importance for the security and economic growth of the United States. Its potential is critical to power industries like artificial intelligence and hydrogen production.
While these executive orders prioritize the administration’s strong nuclear focus, they also have several challenges to overcome. The nuclear industry must continue to move forward with new technology development, and Congress must dedicate the appropriate funds to achieve these goals. With the onshoring of manufacturing, data center development and other heavy industries, keeping an eye on workforce labor availability and supply chain will be important, as will educating the craft tasked with building these novel facilities.
The ball is in the nuclear sector’s court. The industry's opportunity to demonstrate transparency, invest in training for the incoming workforce and build public trust represent critical steps for the next few years. Rigorous safety planning and cross-agency collaboration will be more crucial than ever as this policy gains momentum. These executive orders represent a strategic push to revitalize U.S. nuclear capabilities, aligning energy policy with national security, technological competitiveness and global leadership in nuclear energy.
Success amid these industry changes will depend on strategic partnerships and the industry’s ability to strengthen the supply chain and modernize the U.S. infrastructure.
