US Nuclear Energy Faces Hurdles Despite Ambitions

Cost overruns, long construction timelines, and uncertain federal support hamper nuclear power's comeback.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Despite renewed political interest and government support, the future of nuclear power in the US remains uncertain. Experts argue that cost, risk, and lengthy construction timelines continue to hold back real progress on new nuclear projects, even as the US seeks to quadruple its nuclear capacity by 2050 to address national security, decarbonization, and AI power needs. The US also faces challenges rebuilding its domestic nuclear manufacturing base, as it no longer controls many of the key supply chains which are now dominated by allies and competitors like South Korea and China.

Why it matters

Nuclear power is seen as critical for achieving US energy security, decarbonization goals, and maintaining technological leadership, especially in the age of AI. However, the practical realities of cost, risk, and construction timelines have repeatedly stalled nuclear's comeback, raising questions about whether the US can actually deliver on its ambitious nuclear plans in time to compete with Russia and China.

The details

The Trump administration has pushed for a 'nuclear renaissance' in the US, including $80 billion in support for Westinghouse's AP1000 reactor. However, experts argue that cost overruns, long construction timelines of nearly a decade, and uncertainty about long-term federal commitments have left utilities reluctant to move forward with new nuclear projects, even with significant government backing. The US also faces challenges rebuilding its domestic nuclear manufacturing base, as it no longer controls many of the key supply chains which are now dominated by allies and competitors like South Korea and China.

  • Over the past few years, nuclear energy has come back into vogue across various presidential administrations.
  • The Trump administration announced up to $80 billion in support for Westinghouse's AP1000 reactor as part of its push for a 'nuclear renaissance' and goal to quadruple US nuclear capacity by 2050.

The players

Paul J. Saunders

President of the Center for the National Interest and publisher of The National Interest.

Kenneth Luongo

Founder and president of the Partnership for Global Security, an expert on the nexus of nuclear power, global security, and energy geopolitics.

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What they’re saying

“Cost overruns, long construction timelines, and uncertainty about long-term federal commitments have left utilities shy on moving forward—even with significant government support.”

— Kenneth Luongo, Founder and president of the Partnership for Global Security (The National Interest)

What’s next

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