US Nuclear Power Market Size is 433.26 Billion in 2025 Fueled by AI Integration and Federal Expansion Plans

The US nuclear power market size was estimated at USD 425.01 billion in 2024 and is expected to increase around USD 515.05 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 1.94% from 2025 to 2034.

Highlights of the US Nuclear Power Market

• By source, the nuclear fusion segment dominated and is expected to sustain the position as the fastest growing in the market in 2024.
• By source, the nuclear fission segment shows a notable growth in the market during the forecast period.
• By reactive type, the pressurized water reactors (PWRs) segment dominated the U.S. nuclear power market in 2024.
• By reactor size, the large reactors segment dominated the market in 2024.
• By reactor size, the small modular reactors (SMRs) segment is the fastest growing in the market during the forecast period.
• By application, the energy segment dominated the U.S. nuclear power market in 2024.
  

US Nuclear Power Market Statical Scope

The U.S. nuclear power market is essential for its ability to offer a large, reliable, as well as low-carbon source of electricity, leading to energy security and climate goals. It's a key element in the transition to a cleaner energy system and, in addition, plays a role in decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. Nuclear power provides energy security by offering a stable and reliable electricity supply, together with independence of fluctuating fossil fuel costs and geopolitical events.

It can help ensure a stable and reliable electricity grid, mainly as the world transitions to a more sustainable energy system. The expense of nuclear power can be decreased by finalizing designs before construction, along with building multiple units at the same site, and guaranteeing stable regulatory frameworks.

• The USA is the globe’s largest manufacturer of nuclear power, accounting for nearly 30% of the world’s generation of nuclear electricity.
• In October 2024, Kairos Power and Google declared a new power purchase agreement to offer the tech giant 500 MW of clean energy by 2035. Under the October agreement, California-origin Kairos Power will develop, construct, as well as operate a series of developed U.S. nuclear power plants and sell energy, ancillary services, and environmental advantages to Google.

U.S. Nuclear Power Market: Stats and Figures

• U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is embarking on plans for the United States to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050, with need climbing for the technology increasing as a round-the-clock source of carbon-free power.
• Under a blueprint unveiled in November, the United States would deploy an extra 200 GW of nuclear energy capacity by mid-century via the construction of new reactors, plant restarts, as well as updates to existing facilities. This would be at mere triple the current US capacity of nearly 97 GW.
• In 2024, U.S. utilities operated 94 nuclear reactors with an entire net generating capacity of about 97 gigawatts (GW), the highest commercial nuclear power generation fleet in the world.
  

How AI has Benefited the U.S. Nuclear Power Market

AI is already transforming nuclear operations. Each reactor brings out billions of pages of operational information. AI can digitize and determine these archives, optimizing fuel cycles, streamlining regulatory compliance, and improving safety via predictive maintenance. Even the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission stands to benefit from AI-based tools. Right now, licensing acceptances for new nuclear projects are slowed by fragmented, paper-based systems. AI could streamline these processes by digitizing regulatory records, improving their searchability, decreasing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and speeding up the deployment of advanced reactors.

US Cell Therapy Market Dynamics

What Is Propelling Demand in the U.S. Nuclear Power Market?

Nuclear energy offers a reliable, low-emission source of electricity, leading to energy independence as well as economic expansion, while also serving as a strategic advantage that improves a nation's energy security. Nuclear power plants offer a consistent and predictable electricity supply, making them a reliable source for both base-load power as well as supporting the incorporation of intermittent renewable energy sources. Nuclear power plants are basically a strategic asset, offering a reliable domestic energy source that is less susceptible to geopolitical instability, in addition to supply disruptions. Nuclear power plants usually incorporate developed technologies, leading to a nation's technological capabilities, together with expertise.

What Factors Are Restraining Growth in the U.S. Nuclear Power Market?

High upfront capital costs are considered a major obstacle to the expansion of the U.S. nuclear power market. These expenses, including the cost of financing together with construction, can be prohibitive, contributing to project delays, cancellations, as well as a reluctance among investors to fund the latest nuclear power plants. The expense of borrowing money to capitalize on the project can be substantial, mainly given the long construction timelines and the demand to service the debt prior to the plant becoming operational. The fusion of high upfront costs, extensive construction times, and the potency for expense overruns can deter investors from supporting new nuclear projects. This is mostly true in competitive electricity markets where other, or less capital-intensive energy origins, may be more attractive.

What Are the Major Opportunities in the U.S. Nuclear Power Market?

Advancements in nuclear technology, mainly with small modular reactors (SMRs) and developed reactors, are opening the latest avenues for the growth of the nuclear power market in the United States. Advanced reactors, like fast reactors, can potency be more efficient in addition to extracting more energy from nuclear fuel, targeting concerns about waste management. Nuclear power is a clean energy source, emitting virtually no greenhouse gases during operation, making it a valuable tool in combating climate change. Investments in nuclear power can provoke economic expansion in local communities and lead to national energy security.

Industry Leader Announcements

• Joe Dominguez, president and CEO, Constellation

“Last year, Constellation announced a plan to restart the Crane Clean Energy Center became national news, but despite all of the interest and overwhelming support, a key question was missed: why did we let such a valuable plant close in the first place? We all know that the closure costs our community jobs, tax revenue, more pollution and higher prices,” said Joe Dominguez, president and CEO, Constellation. “We are proud to partner with Meta because they asked that important question, and even better, they figured out that supporting the relicensing and expansion of existing plants is just as impactful as finding new sources of energy. Sometimes the most important part of our journey forward is to stop taking steps backwards.”

• John Dinelli, Entergy Nuclear COO

“I want to congratulate each of these outstanding nuclear professionals as they take on their new roles. I also want to thank them for their many contributions in their former roles,” said John Dinelli, Entergy Nuclear chief operating officer. “Entergy values empowerment and engagement across our workforce, and the fact that our people can step into new and important roles is critical to our continued success.”

• Pete Sena, Southern Nuclear Chairman, President, and CEO

“More than ever, clean, baseload nuclear power is essential to our country’s energy mix, and this achievement is a significant step forward for not only the resiliency of the entire U.S. operating fleet, but future nuclear technologies,” said Southern Nuclear Chairman, President and CEO Pete Sena. “Our goal is to operate our units for longer periods with higher output, and with higher enriched fuel, we’re even better positioned to meet the growing energy demands of the state of Georgia.”

Segmental Insights

Source Insights

The nuclear fusion segment dominated and is expected to sustain the position as the fastest-growing in the U.S. nuclear power market in 2024. Nuclear fusion, holding huge potential for clean energy, is, however, in the research and development phase. This includes repairs, maintenance, and operational funding for existing nuclear power plants. As many nuclear reactors in the United States are reaching or have surpassed their initial 40-year operating licenses, the demand for upgrades, decommissioning services, and life extensions is rising, fueling the expansion.

• In August 2023, researchers at the US Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California replicated a breakthrough they first made in December 2022, attaining a "net energy gain" in fusion ignition.

The nuclear fission segment shows a notable growth in the U.S. nuclear power market during the forecast period. The US nuclear power industry has remarkably raised electricity generation from existing plants, targeting this via better refueling, safety systems, and maintenance. The industry's target has shifted towards expanding the operating licenses of existing plants as well as enhancing their efficiency, rather than building new ones. There has been a close halt to new nuclear plant construction in the United States for over 30 years, mainly due to high costs, public perception, and regulatory hurdles following incidents such as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl.

Reactor Type Insights

The pressurized water reactors (PWRs) segment dominated the U.S. nuclear power market in 2024. PWRs have been the backbone of the U.S. nuclear power industry for almost ten years, with many operational reactors. PWRs are called for their safety features, lower risk of radioactive contamination, and high thermal efficiency creates a preferred alternative for large-scale power generation. PWR technology is also utilized in naval propulsion systems, thus solidifying its position in the market.

• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is the public agency established in 1974 in charge of the regulation of the nuclear industry, primarily reactors, materials, fuel cycle facilities, and waste.

Reactor Size Insights

The large reactors segment dominated the U.S. nuclear power market in 2024. Large reactors, mainly PWRs, have been the governing technology in the United States. PWRs are favored for their safety features, lower risk of radioactive contamination, and thermal efficiency. Large reactors, mainly those above 1,000 MW, however, account for a substantial portion of the market. Instances include the Westinghouse AP1000 PWRs utilized in the Vogtle 3 and 4 units under construction.

• There are mainly 94 commercial reactors assisting to power homes as well as businesses in 28 U.S. states. Illinois has 11 reactors, likewise the most in any state, together it joins South Carolina and New Hampshire in accepting more than 50% of its power from nuclear power.

The small modular reactors (SMRs) segment is the fastest-growing in the U.S. nuclear power market during the forecast period. Small modular reactors represent a rising segment of the market, providing potential advantages in expense, safety, and deployment flexibility. Companies such as NuScale and GE Hitachi are actively advancing small modular reactor technology. Factors such as lower expenses, enhanced safety features, and the potency for deployment in different locations are boosting interest in small modular reactors. Ongoing research and development, along with government support via tax credits and loan guarantees, are also leading to the expansion of the small modular reactors market.

Application Insights

The energy segment dominated the U.S. nuclear power market in 2024. Nuclear energy is predominantly utilized to generate electricity for the power grid, serving businesses, homes, and industries. The growing need for electricity, mainly from data centers, is driving the demand for reliable and clean energy sources, where nuclear power can help meet this demand for electricity. Nuclear power offers a substantial section of the U.S.'s emission-free electricity, considering it a major player in the transition to cleaner energy sources.

• In January 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy offered credits to support the continued function of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in California. In 2024, electricity generated at Diablo Canyon (2.2 GW) accounts for 9 per cent of California’s total electricity generation.
  

Recent Developments in the U.S. Nuclear Power Market:

• In July 2025, Constellation declared commitments to pay out billions of dollars on nuclear energy projects to drive economic expansion in Pennsylvania throughout the state’s inaugural Energy and Innovation Summit, which was introduced by Sen. Dave McCormick and Carnegie Mellon University.
• In April 2025, Southern Nuclear fortunately received as well as installed four Lead Test Assemblies (LTAs) along with next-generation fuel features into Unit 2 of the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant (Plant Vogtle). This achievement, which labels the first U.S. commercial reactor usage of enrichments exceeding historical limits, is set to boost nuclear reliability in addition to supporting the long-term energy demands of the country.
• In October 2024, Entergy is considering amplifying its nuclear power generation capacity in addition to exploring the latest nuclear technologies, with the Louisiana electric utility mulling building the latest reactor in Mississippi and upgrading existing plants.
  

 Competitive Landscape

The U.S. nuclear power market is dominated by well-known players such as NextEra Energy Inc. and Exelon Corporation, with remarkable contributions to regional utilities in close collaboration with government entities. Government support via tax credits, R&D funding, and loan guarantees is vital for the sector's expansion. Federal and state governments are offering crucial support via financial incentives, initiatives, and research funding targeted at rebuilding the nuclear fuel supply chain.

• Company Name: Constellation
• Year of Incorporation: 2021
• Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Constellation Energy tackles a competitive landscape dominated by a mix of conventional energy firms, renewable energy developers, as well as evolving technologies. Its nuclear-aimed strategy positions it well in the shove for carbon-free energy, but it must also negotiate regulatory risks as well as competition from other power sources.

• Company Name: Southern Nuclear
• Year of Incorporation: 1990
• Headquarters: Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Southern Nuclear operates in a competitive landscape featured by well-known players in the nuclear energy field, evolving technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and the ongoing demand for sustainable energy solutions. Companies specializing in decommissioning services tackle challenges related to the high expenses and complex processes involved in decommissioning nuclear facilities.

• Company Name: Entergy
• Year of Incorporation: 1913
• Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Entergy tackles a competitive landscape in the nuclear power market, challenging other energy sources, which include renewables and other nuclear power manufacturers. The firm also competes with itself, as it handles both nuclear and non-nuclear power generation, distribution, transmission, and retail sales. Furthermore, Entergy functions in a deregulated market, which means it must challenge customers and handle the expenses associated with its nuclear fleet.