Growing Investments in Nuclear Energy

The world is seeing differing approaches to nuclear energy. While Germany shut down its last nuclear power plants in April 2023, as of 2024, China has 55 operating nuclear reactors with 23 more under construction, and in the U.S., nuclear is responsible for nearly 20 percent of annual electricity generation. In 2024, the Biden administration signaled support for the development of new U.S. nuclear power plants, noting that they will be a necessary source of carbon-free energy to meet future energy demands. Big tech companies agree; Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have all signed deals with nuclear providers to power future data centers.

Technological advancements within the field of nuclear power may enable smaller, cheaper modular reactors, potentially allowing for wider-scale development across the U.S. But questions remain about the impacts of untested modular reactor designs and whether aging nuclear plants can withstand the stresses of climate change. Given the renewed growth of this sector, planners may be called upon to play a significant regulatory role in balancing energy needs with the health and safety of nearby communities.