U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to sign a series of executive orders on Friday aimed at boosting America’s nuclear power industry, according to multiple sources familiar with the plan. The move marks the administration’s latest push to prioritize energy dominance, enhance national security, and promote cleaner domestic energy alternatives amid rising global competition.

The new orders are expected to include financial incentives, regulatory streamlining, and support for next-generation nuclear reactor technologies, as well as measures to expand domestic uranium production. The White House has not officially confirmed the details but is preparing a formal announcement at a scheduled energy event later this week.

“This is a bold step to reclaim American leadership in nuclear innovation,” one official told Reuters.

⚛️ Strategic Goals Behind the Orders

Sources say the executive actions will:

• Direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate licensing for small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear designs
  
• Offer loan guarantees and tax credits to nuclear developers
  
• Call for the expansion of the U.S. uranium reserve to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, especially Russia
  
• Instruct agencies to simplify environmental reviews and permitting

The Trump administration views nuclear power as essential to both energy reliability and national security, particularly as adversaries like Russia and China advance their own nuclear technology exports.

💬 Industry Reaction

The U.S. nuclear industry, long hampered by high costs, regulatory burdens, and aging infrastructure, welcomed the move. Companies developing SMRs — including TerraPower, NuScale, and X-energy — have argued that federal support is critical to making nuclear a viable part of the clean energy transition.

“This could be a game-changer for advanced nuclear deployment,” said a senior executive at a nuclear tech firm. “It shows the government is finally serious about long-term investment.”

🌱 Environmental Debate

While nuclear power is praised by some as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, environmental groups remain divided. Some welcome the focus on decarbonization, but others warn about safety, waste management, and the risks of increased uranium mining.

Groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) argue that nuclear subsidies come at the expense of investments in solar, wind, and storage technologies.

“Throwing money at nuclear ignores cheaper, faster climate solutions,” one environmental advocate said.

🇺🇸 Political and Global Context

Trump’s expected executive orders come amid broader efforts to revive U.S. industrial leadership in strategic sectors. His administration has recently ramped up policies to counter China in critical minerals, semiconductors, and energy infrastructure.

Internationally, the move may also help the U.S. compete in the growing nuclear export market, where Russia’s Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) have gained influence, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

What to Watch

• Details of the executive orders at the upcoming Friday announcement
  
• Reactions from Congress, especially regarding budget allocations
  
• Potential legal challenges or opposition from environmental groups
  
• Impacts on U.S. efforts to meet emissions reduction goals
  
• Competitive responses from China and Russia in global nuclear diplomacy

If signed as expected, Trump’s nuclear orders will mark a major shift in U.S. energy policy, betting big on nuclear power as a pillar of American industrial strength, geopolitical influence, and clean energy ambitions. Whether the gamble pays off will depend on funding, bipartisan support — and the market’s willingness to adapt.

Source; Reuters