Trump Turns to Nuclear to Power AI Models

On May 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed four executive orders aimed at revitalising the U.S. nuclear energy sector.

The administration's ambitious plan seeks to deploy 300 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear capacity by 2050 and have 10 large reactors under construction by 2030.

This initiative would quadruple the nation's current nuclear capacity of approximately 100 GW

Key measures include streamlining the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) licensing process, setting an 18-month deadline for reactor approvals, and expanding domestic nuclear fuel supplies.

A key focus of these orders is to meet the surging electricity demands of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is directed to designate AI data centers, especially those at or coordinated with DOE facilities, as critical defense facilities. These centers, along with their supporting nuclear reactors, are to be considered defense-critical electric infrastructure.

"The Order directs the Secretary of Energy to designate AI data centers, located at or operated in coordination with Department of Energy (DOE) facilities, as critical defense facilities, and the nuclear reactors powering them as defense critical electric infrastructure," the White House said.

While industry leaders have welcomed the move, citing potential boosts to energy independence and economic growth, critics express concerns over potential safety risks and the weakening of regulatory oversight.

The administration argues that these reforms are essential to meet rising energy demands and maintain global competitiveness in nuclear technology.

Elsewhere, Google is partnering with Elementl Power to develop three sites for advanced nuclear reactors, aiming to meet the surging energy demands of its AI-driven data centers.

The tech giant, which plans to invest $75 billion in data centre capacity this year, has committed to adding at least 600 megawatts of generating capacity at each site.