Biden admin sets new target to triple US nuclear capacity from 2020 levels

The Biden administration has recently unveiled a new plan to significantly increase U.S. nuclear energy capacity over the next two decades. The goal is to triple the country’s nuclear energy capacity from 2020 levels by the year 2050. This ambitious plan aims to reach a net nuclear capacity of 200 gigawatts (GW) in the U.S. by 2050, which is at least three times the capacity from just four years ago.

According to the Energy Information Administration, the U.S. was responsible for producing 29.9% of global nuclear electricity in 2020. The new framework, released by the White House, outlines short-term goals to achieve this ultimate target. The initial goal is to add 35 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2035, sourced from operational or under-construction facilities. Subsequently, the plan aims to deploy 15 GW annually by 2040.

The Biden administration emphasizes the role of domestic nuclear energy production in achieving its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The expansion of nuclear energy is seen as a crucial step in curbing the climate crisis, described as “one of the existential threats of our time” in the administration’s memo.

By increasing nuclear energy capacity, the White House believes it will enhance national security, improve energy reliability, boost the economy, and restore America’s leadership and competitiveness in the global nuclear industry. The plan identifies various ways to achieve the target, including building new nuclear power plants, updating existing reactors, and restarting reactors.

If the targets are met, the Biden administration anticipates the expansion of U.S. nuclear capacity will generate thousands of new jobs, strengthen national security, and enhance global competitiveness in the industry. This strategic plan aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to address climate change and transition to a clean energy future.

Overall, the Biden administration’s push to triple U.S. nuclear energy capacity reflects a commitment to advancing clean energy technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By setting ambitious targets and implementing a comprehensive plan, the administration aims to position the U.S. as a leader in the global nuclear energy sector.