energy
April 27, 2026
United States bets on a nuclear renaissance amid AI energy pressure and global tensions
Portafolio Journalist 04/27/2026 09:07 Updated: 04/27/2026 09:07
TL;DR
- The US administration is implementing a strategy to revitalize nuclear energy production.
- This revitalization is driven by factors including the rise of artificial intelligence and geopolitical events like the war in Iran.
- Nuclear energy currently provides about 20% of US electricity and the country accounts for 30% of global nuclear production.
- Projections indicate nuclear energy's share could reach 30% by the 2030s and expand significantly with small modular reactors in the future.
- A 2025 executive order aims to increase existing reactor capacity and advance construction of ten new large reactors by 2030.
- An investment of $2.7 billion is allocated to revive domestic uranium enrichment over the next decade.
- The US has 94 operational reactors, producing about 55% of its carbon-free electricity, with potential to quadruple capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050.
- Rising oil prices due to the war in Iran strengthen the case for diversifying the energy matrix.
- Permitting processes are being expedited and regulatory burdens reduced.
- Exponential growth in energy demand from AI and data centers is a major disruptive factor.
- A report projects AI-related energy consumption to grow 15% annually between 2024 and 2030, reaching 3% of global consumption.
- Tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft are increasing their engagement with nuclear power for data center energy needs.
- Social support for nuclear power is growing, with 59% of US adults favoring new plants.
- States are expected to compete for nuclear investments as reliable energy becomes crucial for economic development.