Revitalizing Nuclear Energy: Trump’s Executive Orders of 2025
On May 24, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump made significant strides in the energy sector by signing a set of executive orders aimed at rejuvenating the nuclear industry. These measures focus on enhancing the United States’ nuclear energy capabilities, which have been languishing in recent years. The overarching goal? To reaffirm America’s position as a world leader in nuclear energy—a vision that includes increasing nuclear capacity from 100 gigawatts (GW) to 400 GW by 2050.
A Vision for Growth and Innovation
One of the most ambitious elements of these executive orders is to facilitate an increase in nuclear energy capacity through specific strategic actions. The Department of Energy (DOE) is expected to prioritize collaborations with the nuclear energy sector, targeting the facilitation of five gigawatts of power uprates in existing reactors and the initiation of ten new large reactors with complete designs by 2030.
President Trump emphasized the urgency of this initiative in a press briefing, stating, “It’s time for nuclear and we’re going to do it very big.” The administration aims to expedite the construction process by mandating the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to make licensing decisions on new reactors within 18 months—a stark contrast to previous timelines that could stretch for years.
Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base
The executive order titled Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base elaborates on the necessity of revamping the U.S. nuclear energy framework. The statement outlines a sobering reality: despite the U.S. being a pioneer in this technology, foreign nations have rapidly surpassed it, with 87% of new nuclear reactors installed globally since 2017 based on designs from just two countries.
The order stresses the importance of energy independence and access to stable power supplies. It aims to address the aging domestic nuclear fuel cycle infrastructure, which has led to the U.S. being heavily reliant on foreign uranium sources. The initiative will focus on increasing domestic fuel availability and improving licensing efficiencies for advanced nuclear technologies, positioning the U.S. to meet both civilian and defense needs.
Comprehensive Nuclear Strategy
The new directives also call for comprehensive management of spent nuclear fuel and advanced fuel cycle capabilities. Recommendations will focus on utilizing recovered materials efficiently and ensuring the safe disposal of nuclear waste. Furthermore, the directives include expanding domestic uranium conversion and enrichment capabilities to meet projected demands.
The scope of these initiatives goes beyond mere numbers; it also encompasses a developmental program for transporting advanced nuclear fuels safely, both domestically and internationally.
Streamlining Nuclear Reactor Testing
In another executive order concerning Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy, Trump’s administration highlighted a critical gap: the U.S. has seen little commercial deployment of new nuclear technologies since the 1970s. The order calls for the revamping of regulations and procedures at the Idaho National Laboratory, which has historically been the focal point for constructing and testing new reactor designs.
The proposed regulatory reforms aim for expedited review and approval processes, with a focus on bringing advanced nuclear reactors to operational status within two years. There is also an initiative for pilot projects to construct and operate reactors outside of the traditional laboratory setting, with a target of having three reactors achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.
Transforming the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The third executive order, Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, outlines the historical context of nuclear reactor authorization in the U.S. Between 1954 and 1978, 133 reactors were completed, while only a handful have been authorized since then. Critics argue that the NRC’s stringent regulations have stalled progress in promoting safe and abundant nuclear energy.
The order advocates for collaboration between the NRC and the Department of Government Efficiency to streamline procedures. Setting fixed deadlines for licensing applications is a crucial aspect of this plan, with a highlight on being able to make decisions on new reactor applications within 18 months.
A United Front
During the Oval Office signing ceremony, Trump was flanked by key figures from the nuclear energy sector, including representatives from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) and various government officials. This demonstrated a unified front in support of revitalizing the nuclear agenda, with NEI President Maria Korsnick expressing appreciation for the administration’s efforts to bolster commercial nuclear energy.
The overarching sentiment among attendees underscored the necessity of sustainable policies that address national security and energy independence.
A Call for a Rooted Workforce
Lastly, another critical factor emphasized in the new measures is workforce development. The administration seeks to increase participation in nuclear-related apprenticeship and technical education programs as a way to build a robust workforce capable of supporting the expanding nuclear sector.
By setting the groundwork for a renewed nuclear energy landscape, these executive orders reflect an ambitious and strategic vision for the future, aiming to ensure not just energy independence but also economic security and technological advancement in the nuclear arena.
