U.S. Sets New Nuclear Energy Goals

The Biden administration announced new targets for nuclear energy deployment. The framework calls for the U.S. to deploy 200 gigawatts of net new nuclear energy capacity by 2050, which would triple the country’s current capacity.

The administration expects to achieve net new capacity gains through upgrading existing nuclear reactors, restarting retired reactors, and constructing new power plants. 

Hitting Short-Term Targets First

Reaching the new targets will depend on meeting shorter-term goals, such as adding 35 gigawatts of new capacity by 2035 and maintaining an annual production rate of 15 gigawatts by 2040.

Creating Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs

The targets will look to restore and surpass U.S. nuclear energy deployment capacity from decades past. Additionally, the administration expects nuclear energy expansion to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the U.S., bolster domestic supply chains and manufacturing, strengthen energy reliability, and contribute to attaining a net-zero emission economy by 2050.

This framework covers 30 actions across nine pillars, including building large reactors, small modular reactors, and microreactors. It also addresses improving permitting and licensing, developing a workforce, enhancing component and fuel cycle supply chains, and managing spent nuclear fuel.

Combatting the Climate Crisis

According to the administration, the targets acknowledge the urgency of combatting a climate crisis while highlighting the national security and economic advantages of investing in a wide range of climate solutions.

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