White House Releases Nuclear Energy Deployment Targets and Action Framework

On November 12, 2024, the White House released a plan to increase deployment of new nuclear energy in the U.S. The framework Safely and Responsibly Expanding U.S. Nuclear Energy: Deployment Targets and A Framework for Action outlines nine pathways for expanding domestic nuclear energy production in the U.S. These actions are (1) building new large, gigawatt-scale reactors; (2) building small modular reactors; (3) building microreactors; (4) extending and expanding existing reactors; (5) improving licensing and permitting; (6) developing the workforce; (7) developing component supply chains; (8) developing fuel cycle supply chains; and (8) managing spent nuclear fuel. To fully explore these different pathways, the framework lays out more than 30 actions the U.S. government can take within statutory authorities and in partnership with states, Tribes, industry, consumers, and other key stakeholders. The framework specifically references the importance of the U.S. government increasing engagement with State Energy Offices, Public Utility Commissions, and Governor's Offices.

The objective of these actions is to reach a target of deploying 200 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2050 with nearer term targets of 35 GW of new capacity by 2035 and 15 GW of new capacity every year after that through 2040. The framework can be found here.