Advanced nuclear energy is a game-changer that builds on the proven track record of nuclear power as the largest, most reliable clean energy source in the United States. In addition to decarbonizing our energy sector, advanced nuclear reactors provide multiple benefits such as creating thousands of jobs, improving national defense, and providing energy security. New nuclear also holds the key to decarbonizing major industries and paving the way for a sustainable future for the entire economy.
Clean and Reliable
- Advanced nuclear energy, working alongside today’s nuclear technologies, provides clean, reliable energy around the clock, rain or shine, even during extreme weather.
- New reactors can produce large amounts of clean energy with a smaller land footprint than other clean energy sources.
- In addition to producing electricity, advanced nuclear reactors can provide the heat and hydrogen needed to decarbonize industries like manufacturing and transportation, which together accounts for a significant share of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
- Advanced nuclear technologies can strengthen U.S. energy security by supporting a more resilient electric grid and reducing vulnerability to fuel supply disruptions and extreme weather events.
- Next-generation reactors are being designed with enhanced safety and reliability features that enable continuous operation during challenging conditions and support critical infrastructure when dependable power is needed most.
- NEI utility members see a role for nearly 100 gigawatts of new nuclear power to support their reliability and decarbonization goals.
- Energy projections show that advanced nuclear technologies could enable a substantial expansion of U.S. nuclear generating capacity by 2050. More on Climate
Jobs
The development of next-generation nuclear energy will generate high-paying jobs and provide support to local economies in communities that are seeking to transition towards cleaner energy sources.
- Adding SMRs where coal power plants have retired preserves crucial baseload and grid stabilizing benefits, alongside generating employment opportunities at a community level. Additionally, former coal plant employees may have the potential to be re-skilled to work at a nuclear facility.
- Estimates show a SMR could create 237 permanent positions for the life of the plant.
- In the Southeast US, for every 10 direct nuclear jobs, 18 additional jobs are created in the local community.
- In the U.S., nuclear power plant jobs pay 20 percent more on average than jobs supported by other energy sources.
- According to the DOE's 2025 U.S. Energy and Employment Report, the nuclear electric power generation workforce trends younger than the national workforce average. The nuclear workforce also includes a higher percentage of non-white workers than both the energy workforce average and the national workforce average.
Remaining a leader in advanced nuclear will increase our allies’ energy security, bring business to the U.S., and help the world reach our climate goals.
National Security
- Advanced nuclear energy strengthens U.S. national security by supporting resilient domestic infrastructure, reinforcing strategic alliances, and ensuring American leadership in critical technologies. Existing nuclear energy infrastructure already plays an important role in supporting U.S. national defense, and advanced nuclear technologies can further strengthen military readiness and energy resilience.
- The Department of Defense is evaluating microreactors to power its domestic bases using a clean, reliable energy source that can operate independently from the electric grid. These systems can improve energy resilience at domestic bases, support mission-critical operations in remote locations, and reduce logistical risks associated with fuel delivery.
- U.S. leadership in advanced nuclear technology helps strengthen geopolitical partnerships and maintain American influence on global nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation standards. To remain competitive, the United States must continue advancing its nuclear technologies alongside allies and international partners in an increasingly competitive global market.
Innovation
As the nation that pioneered nuclear technology, the United States can use advanced nuclear energy to strengthen innovation and competitiveness across emerging and strategic industries.
- Advanced nuclear reactors can support the growing energy needs of data centers and artificial intelligence technologies with reliable, around-the-clock power.
- New reactor technologies can provide electricity and industrial heat for sectors such as manufacturing, chemical production, mining, and other energy-intensive industries.
- Advanced nuclear systems are also being explored for applications in maritime and space applications, supporting American leadership in critical technologies and infrastructure.