The United States has announced a comprehensive framework for expanding its nuclear energy sector, detailing over 30 actionable steps for collaboration among government, industry, and power customers.
This initiative aligns with COP 28 commitments to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 and establish a nuclear fuel supply chain free from Russian influence
The framework sets ambitious domestic goals to expand nuclear energy capacity in a safe, responsible manner. A central aim is to achieve 200 GWe of new nuclear capacity by 2050 - tripling current levels. These gains will come from building new nuclear power plants (NPPs), uprating existing reactors, and restarting economically retired ones.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has outlined interim targets to drive progress:
- Deploy 35 GWe of new capacity by 2035, either operational or under construction.
- Achieve a sustained production rate of 15 GWe annually by 2040, supporting both domestic and international projects.
These targets are designed to galvanise industry action while demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering safe, responsible nuclear growth. The goals aim to surpass historic deployment rates, requiring close collaboration across public and private sectors.
Expanding nuclear energy as planned is expected to:
- Create hundreds of thousands of high-quality jobs;
- Strengthen domestic supply chains and manufacturing;
- Boost energy reliability, resilience, and affordability;
- Support a net-zero emissions economy by 2050; and
- Cement US leadership in nuclear technology and innovation.
The framework emphasises scaling nuclear energy in line with core values, including public health, environmental protection, energy affordability, and community engagement. It also underscores a commitment to Tribal sovereignty, environmental justice, and national security.
To achieve these objectives, the framework identifies nine priority areas for action:
- Building large gigawatt-scale reactors
- Deploying small modular reactors (SMRs)
- Advancing microreactors
- Extending and uprating existing reactors and restarting retired ones
- Streamlining licensing and permitting processes
- Strengthening the workforce
- Developing component supply chains
- Establishing secure fuel cycle supply chains
- Managing used nuclear fuel responsibly
The initiative builds on ongoing efforts by the Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Defence, and other federal agencies. It also seeks to address past harms associated with domestic nuclear programs, such as cleaning up abandoned uranium mines on Tribal lands. Public input will play a role in shaping the framework, with plans for Tribal consultations and a forthcoming Request for Information.
This plan reflects a renewed commitment to nuclear energy as a key tool for combating climate change, bolstering national security, and driving economic growth.
Source: www.neimagazine.com "US unveils ambitious nuclear expansion plan" by Staff writer at Nuclear Engineering International
https://www.neimagazine.com/news/us-unveils-ambitious-nuclear-expansion-plan/?cf-view&cf-closed
