Utilization of Nuclear Energy in U.S. Data Centers and Enhancement of National Security
The United States government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy for accelerating the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies at strategic military and critical infrastructure sites. The strategy, announced in May 2025, is centered around a suite of executive orders aimed at fast-tracking advanced reactor deployment by 2028 [1][2][3][4].
Key elements of the strategy include:
Accelerated Licensing and Regulatory Reforms
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is undergoing significant reform to expedite licensing timelines, reduce costs, and allow presumptive binding design reviews from the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DOD) unless explicit safety issues arise. This reform will streamline NRC processes to support rapid deployment of advanced reactors, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, with revised science-based radiation limits and standardized licensing [1][2][4].
Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program
Launched by DOE in August 2025, the Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program fast-tracks 11 advanced reactor designs directly under DOE oversight, bypassing the traditional multi-year NRC licensing process. At least three reactors are targeted to reach first criticality by July 4, 2026 [3][4].
Legislative Backing
The ADVANCE Act, enacted in July 2024, mandates NRC modernization and facilitates the deployment of advanced reactors at brownfield and former fossil fuel sites, in line with the executive orders [1].
Supply Chain Strengthening
Agreements to expand domestic uranium enrichment capacity aim to reduce dependency on foreign sources [3].
Capacity Goals
The orders aim to quadruple U.S. nuclear capacity from ~100 GW today to 400 GW by 2050, including 5 GW capacity uprates, 10 new large reactors by 2030, and restarts of mothballed plants [3][5].
Enhanced Domestic Capabilities
Initiatives are in place to enhance domestic uranium enrichment and fuel fabrication capabilities [3].
Regulatory Reform at the NRC
The administration is implementing comprehensive regulatory reform at the NRC to streamline nuclear deployment [4].
Special Presidential Envoy for Nuclear Energy Exports
A new special presidential envoy has been appointed to aggressively pursue international agreements for global market access for U.S. nuclear technologies [4].
Release of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU)
The government will release significant reserves of HALEU to support initial reactor operations [3].
Focus on National Security and Critical Infrastructure
The strategy positions the United States to set the global standard for secure, advanced nuclear energy deployment, with a focus on enhancing national security and powering critical infrastructure with advanced nuclear technologies [1][2].
Nine military installations, including Army, Air Force, Space Force, and Navy bases, have been identified as immediate candidates for nuclear technology deployment [1]. The strategy aims to counter the rising dominance of Russian and Chinese nuclear exports, and promises greater resilience and operational continuity for critical defense functions [1].
This comprehensive strategy represents a significant pivot toward leveraging advanced nuclear technology beyond energy sources, with the aim of reclaiming American leadership in global nuclear innovation and exports [1]. The executive orders introduce "concierge" regulatory services to fast-track approvals, environmental clearances, and construction timelines [1].
This article was copyrighted in 2025. The strategy does not focus on users located within the European Economic Area.
- To further bolster the strategy, the Department of Energy (DOE) is exploring partnerships with key players in the finance, technology, and energy sectors to secure funding and advance technological development in the nuclear industry.
- Additionally, the administration will collaborate with the Department of Defense (DOD) to explore the potential integration of advanced nuclear technologies into strategic military sites, a move that could revolutionize energy supply and security in the finance sector.
