Trump Signs Orders To Boost Nuclear Power, Shift Oversight

President Donald Trump signed executive orders aiming to quadruple U.S. nuclear power production within 25 years—a goal energy experts say is unlikely, Associated Press (AP) reporters Matthew Daly and Jennifer McDermott reported.

The country’s 94 reactors currently supply roughly 19% of the national grid.

The orders transfer some authority from the independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission to the U.S. energy secretary, allowing the administration to fast-track approvals for advanced reactor designs.

The move comes amid soaring electricity demand driven by the rise of AI and data centers. “We’ve got enough electricity to win the AI arms race with China,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

“What we do in the next five years related to electricity is going to determine the next 50.”

Despite the bold target, the U.S. nuclear sector faces steep challenges. Only two new reactors have been built from scratch in nearly half a century—both at Georgia’s Vogtle plant—and came in years late and at least $17 billion over budget.

As of now, the country’s 94 reactors supply roughly 19% of the national grid, compared to 60% from fossil fuels and 21% from renewables, according to the Energy Information Administration.