Overview of Nuclear Energy in the U.S.

Nuclear energy is a cornerstone of the U.S. electricity sector, offering reliable, affordable, zero-emission power to meet current and future energy demand. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the grid will need an additional 700–900 gigawatts (GW) of clean firm energy capacity by 2050 to meet growing energy demand. Nuclear energy, which can provide 24/7 baseload power, is uniquely positioned to complement variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar, ensuring a stable and diverse energy portfolio.

With significant infrastructure investment and regulatory support, the U.S. could triple its nuclear capacity from ~100 GW to ~300 GW by 2050 resulting in significant contributions to energy security, economic development, and job creation. To expand nuclear capacity, the U.S. must address challenges such as project risks, licensing delays, workforce gaps, and supply chain fragmentation.