The State of Nuclear 2025: New Leadership, New Challenges, New Opportunities

2024 was marked by significant developments in the nuclear energy sector, shaped by evolving regulatory frameworks, legislative action, and growing global interest in nuclear power. In the United States the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act (ADVANCE Act) was a major milestone, created to streamline regulatory processes and accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. The extension of the Price-Anderson Act also reinforced long-term industry stability, ensuring continued liability protections for commercial reactors and US Department of Energy contractors through 2065.

At the regulatory level, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) continued multiple rulemaking efforts, including for the new 10 CFR Part 53 intended to modernize licensing for next-generation reactors. Internationally, momentum for nuclear energy continued to build as the first-ever Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels saw world leaders reaffirm their commitment to nuclear power as a cornerstone of energy security and climate goals.

As the nuclear industry moves into 2025, shifting regulatory priorities, changing energy policies, and increased demand for reliable power are expected to form its trajectory. With new leadership at the NRC and a focus from the new administration on streamlining permitting of energy projects, attention will turn to how the agency balances efficiency with oversight, as well as how it implements the ADVANCE Act to refine its regulatory processes.

The rising energy demands of AI and data centers are also accelerating interest in nuclear power as a long-term, reliable, carbon-free solution, while federal policy changes, executive orders, and new tax credit guidance will play a key role in shaping nuclear investment and development. This report explores these emerging trends and their potential impacts, with an analysis of the key developments that will shape the nuclear industry in 2025.