Power in Flux // May 28, 2025 // Nuclear focused EOs

Hi everyone, welcome back to Power in Flux!  

I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend. Just before the holiday, on Friday, May 23, President Trump issued four executive orders focused on the nuclear industry. This week’s edition breaks down each order and what it could mean for the power sector.

As always, we’re keeping these updates clear, fact-based, and focused on what matters most the power industry.

Last week, Trump signed four executive orders that are focused on overhauling the nuclear energy industry. These orders aim to:

• Reinvigorate the Nuclear Industrial Base

• Reform Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy

• Order the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

• Deploy Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security by streamlining regulations, rebuilding the fuel supply chain, and investing in workforce and infrastructure.

Executive Order // May 23, 2025

Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base

This order is focused on actions to “jumpstart” America’s nuclear energy industry by Strengthening the Domestic Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Funding for Restart, Completion, Uprate, or Construction of Nuclear Plants, and Expanding the Nuclear Energy Workforce.

 What this Means:

• DOE is directed to pursue 5 GW of power uprates from the existing nuclear fleet, start construction on 10 new reactors by 2030, and assess restarting closed plants or completing construction of suspended projects. This could create potential demand for retrofits, plant upgrades, EPC, and brownfield development.

• Re-shoring of the full nuclear fuel supply chain may drive infrastructure work related to enrichment, fabrication, and spent fuel storage.

Executive Order // May 23, 2025

Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy

This order revamps the federal approach to testing advanced nuclear reactors by allowing pilot projects outside of traditional national laboratories. It also directs DOE to reform environmental review procedures and prioritizes nuclear technologies that support critical infrastructure like data centers, hydrogen production, and defense systems.

 What this Means:

• Pilot program may lead to new test reactor construction and site work outside national labs.

• NEPA reforms and faster permitting could reduce project development timelines.

Executive Order // May 23, 2025

Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

This order directs a major overhaul of the NRC to reduce delays and support rapid deployment of nuclear energy. It also sets an ambitious target of quadrupling U.S. nuclear capacity from roughly 100 GW today to 400 GW by 2050. It challenges several regulatory criteria, including the “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) radiation exposure standard and the Reactor Oversight Process.

What this Means:

• Faster NRC reviews and streamlined criteria could help get new reactor projects moving more quickly.

• New rules for modular and microreactors may make it easier to launch smaller nuclear projects.

Executive Order // May 23, 2025

Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security

This executive order directs the deployment and operation of advanced nuclear reactors, including small modular and microreactors, at a domestic military installation by 2028. It prioritizes energy resilience for AI infrastructure and defense facilities, accelerates siting and fuel access at Department of Energy sites.

What this Means:

• Federal investment in advanced reactors and fuel supply could unlock new demand for small modular, microreactor, and support infrastructure projects.

The Bottom Line: The May 23 executive orders mark a major shift in U.S. energy policy focused on speeding up nuclear deployment. For the power sector, this could bring more project opportunities, faster licensing, and greater investment in infrastructure and fuel supply, though challenges around implementation, regulation, and public acceptance remain.

Executive Order // May 23, 2025

Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base

This executive order outlines a comprehensive strategy to revitalize America's nuclear energy sector, focusing on three key pillars: strengthening the domestic nuclear fuel cycle, securing funding for the expansion of nuclear power generation, and developing a robust nuclear energy workforce.

Key Dates & Deadlines:

Within 240 Days (by January 18, 2026)

• Secretary of Energy shall prepare and submit a comprehensive report with policy recommendations on managing and reusing spent nuclear fuel.

 Within 120 days (by September 20, 2025)

• Secretary of Energy shall develop a plan to expand domestic uranium conversion capacity and expand enrichment capabilities.

 Within 90 days (by August 21, 2025)

• Secretary of Energy shall update the Department of Energy’s excess uranium management policy to align with the policy objectives

 Within 30 days (by June 22, 2025)

• Secretary of Energy to seek voluntary agreements pursuant to section 708 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) with domestic nuclear energy companies

 Main Agencies Involved:

• Department of Energy (DOE)

• Department of Defense

• Department of Transportation

• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

• Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

• Federal Trade Commission

• National Energy Dominance Council

• Office of Science and Technology Policy

Risks:

• Execution and Oversight Challenges. Rapid expansion goals may strain DOE, NRC, and contractors, due to project delays, permitting issues, and workforce shortages.

• Regulatory Uncertainty. Potential conflicts between DOE leadership and NRC oversight on licensing could introduce regulatory friction or safety concerns.

Opportunities:

• Market Growth for Nuclear Projects. Directives to start construction of 10 new reactors, 5 GW of uprates, and restarts of closed plants could increase demand for EPC, construction, and retrofit services.

• Fuel Supply Chain Investment. Push to re-shore enrichment, fabrication, and recycling may spark infrastructure development.

Executive Order // May 23, 2025

Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy

This order revamps the federal approach to testing advanced nuclear reactors by allowing pilot projects outside of traditional national laboratories. The goal is to streamline approvals, accelerate innovation, and have at least three test reactors operational by July 2026. 

It also directs DOE to reform environmental review procedures and prioritizes nuclear technologies that support critical infrastructure like data centers, power intensive industries, and defense systems.

Key Dates & Deadlines:

Within 60 Days (by July 22, 2024)

• Secretary of Energy shall issue guidance regarding what counts as a qualified test reactor for purposes of this order.

 Within 90 days (by August 21, 2025)

• Secretary of Energy shall take appropriate action to revise the regulations, guidance, and procedures and practices to significantly expedite the review, approval, and deployment of advanced reactors under the Department’s jurisdiction.

 Main Agencies Involved:

• Department of Energy (DOE)

• Department of Defense (DOD)

• Council on Environmental Quality

• Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

• Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

• Office of Science and Technology Policy

 Risks:

• Regulatory uncertainty. Rapid DOE reform could create confusion during transition periods as new procedures replace older review and safety standards.

• Workforce and supply chain strain. Fast-tracking test reactors could outpace current industry capacity for skilled labor and critical components.

 Opportunities:

• Accelerated project timelines. Streamlined DOE processes and NEPA reform could significantly reduce regulatory delays for reactor testing and development.

• New projects. The pilot program creates demand for new sites and infrastructure, potentially expanding EPC, engineering, and support work outside traditional national labs.

• Technology deployment. Faster test reactor deployment helps validate advanced designs, improving investor confidence and clearing the path for future commercial-scale reactors.

Executive Order // May 23, 2025

Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

This order directs a major overhaul of the NRC to reduce delays and support rapid deployment of nuclear energy. Key reforms include reorganizing NRC staff, streamlining environmental and safety reviews, and setting fixed licensing timelines with a new goal of approving reactor licenses within 18 months. 

It also targets expansion of nuclear capacity to 400 GW by 2050, revises outdated radiation safety models, and creates new pathways for modular and microreactor approvals.

Key Dates & Deadlines:

Within 9 months (by February 23, 2026)

• NRC shall undertake a review and wholesale revision of its regulations and guidance documents, and issue notice(s) of proposed rulemaking affecting this revision.

Within 18 months (by November 23, 2026)

• NRC shall issue final rules and guidance to conclude this revision process.

Main Agencies Involved:

• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

• Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

• Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

• Department of Defense (DOD)

• Department of Energy (DOE)

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Risks:

• Insufficient Staffing. Accelerated review timelines may be challenging to meet without sufficient NRC resources or staffing expertise. Also, workforce reductions at NRC could affect licensing capacity if not properly aligned with workload shifts.

• Safety Concerns. Potential legal or public opposition to relaxed environmental and radiation standards could delay projects.

Opportunities:

• Reduced Project timelines. Faster NRC approvals (18 months for new builds) could improve project timelines.

Executive Order // May 23, 2025

Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security

This executive order directs the deployment and operation of at least 1advanced nuclear reactor, including small modular and microreactors, at a domestic military installation by 2028. It prioritizes energy resilience for AI infrastructure and defense facilities, accelerates siting and fuel access at Department of Energy sites, and taps into federal uranium inventories to support deployment. 

The order also calls for expanded diplomatic efforts to grow U.S. nuclear exports and position American companies as leading global suppliers of secure, advanced nuclear technologies.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Within 90 days (by August 21, 2025)

• Secretary of Energy shall designate one or more sites owned or controlled by the Department of Energy within the United States, including national laboratories, for the use and deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies.

• Secretary of Energy shall identify all useful uranium and plutonium material within the Department of Energy’s inventories that may be recycled or processed into nuclear fuel for reactors in the United States.

• Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy shall determine a strategy to boost U.S. nuclear exports.

• Secretary of the Treasury shall implement a program to enhance the global competitiveness of American nuclear suppliers, investors, and lenders.

Within 240 days (by January 18, 2026)

• Secretary of Defense shall prepare and submit recommendations for legislative proposals and regulatory actions regarding the distribution, operation, replacement, and removal of advanced nuclear reactors and spent nuclear fuel on military installations.

Main Agencies Involved:

• Department of Defense (DOD)

• Department of Energy (DOE)

• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

• Department of Commerce

• Department of State

• Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy

• National Energy Dominance Council

• Office of Management and Budget  (OMB)

Risks:

• Safety and public concerns. Accelerated approvals, regulatory changes, and concerns over waste or reactor siting could lead to public opposition, legal challenges, or reduced confidence in oversight.

Opportunities:

• New projects. Advanced reactor deployment at military and DOE sites could drive demand for construction and grid integration.

• Faster approvals. Shortened licensing timelines may accelerate project starts and increase investment certainty.

That's it for this edition of Power in Flux! Thanks for reading, I know this one had a lot of information to digest, but hopefully this made it a little bit easier to manage. As always, let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything specific you want to dig into.