The Evolution of Nuclear Energy in America

Back in 1960, Dr. Glenn Seaborg, who was the chairman of the US Atomic Energy Commission, confidently claimed that by 2000, half of American households would run on nuclear energy. At one point, this seemed plausible—between 1967 and 1974, utilities across the US ordered nearly 200 nuclear reactors.

However, public trust began to wane due to several factors: cost overruns, regulatory challenges, and tragic accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, which halted projects and caused the decline of America’s once-strong nuclear industry.

Now, looking back, it’s clear Seaborg’s optimistic outlook missed the mark. There are new nuclear reactors being developed, designed with safety features that allow them to cool and shut down without needing power or human intervention—making major accidents almost impossible. Additionally, the rising demand for electricity, driven by factors such as artificial intelligence and heightened geopolitical tensions, highlights the importance of having clean, safe, and reliable energy sources.

I’ve observed a revival in nuclear energy through my work with Bechtel, an engineering and construction firm. In 2023 and 2024, Georgia Power brought two new reactors online, and the company is also involved in projects in Tennessee and Wyoming. Internationally, Poland is starting its first nuclear power plant, showing that the US is not falling behind but is, in fact, expanding its nuclear leadership on a global scale, rather than yielding ground to Russia or China.

Fortunately, the Trump administration recognizes the need for expansion in this sector. An executive order has been put in place aiming to quadruple domestic nuclear capacity by 2050.

To ensure the nuclear renaissance reaches its potential, governments and industry need to collaboratively address the four major challenges facing nuclear energy today.

First, cost management appears to be a major concern. Critics often argue that nuclear is too expensive, overlooking its long-term benefits and the American ability to innovate. With lower operating costs and extended lifespans, nuclear can compete effectively on cost. New projects could help standardize reactor designs, enabling companies like Bechtel to streamline engineering processes and adopt modern construction methods. This, in turn, would lead to shorter timelines, lower costs, and more reliable outcomes.

Another aspect of managing costs includes alleviating financial risks for investors. For nuclear energy to expand and reach its efficiencies, there must be more governmental backing to mitigate some of the financial uncertainties tied to initial projects.

As the industry evolves, however, new nuclear initiatives are likely to face delays and unexpected costs that could deter investors. To revitalize the market, government intervention is necessary to absorb some of the early financial risks, a strategy other nations have successfully employed to promote nuclear growth.

Secondly, the US needs to honor its commitments regarding the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel. Current storage systems are designed for safety over the next 80 years, but finding longer-term solutions would help build public confidence in nuclear energy.

Third, there’s a pressing need for regulatory modernization. The Nuclear Regulation Commission has made strides in maintaining standards and updating its approval processes, but the regulations from the 1970s don’t align with today’s advanced reactor designs. Streamlining the approval process while keeping safety intact is crucial, and the Trump administration’s new executive order supports these reforms.

Lastly, we need skilled workers. The US is facing a shortage in skilled labor across sectors, including welders, electricians, and equipment operators. The administration has begun promoting partnerships between industries and educational institutions, aiming to improve access to vocational training.

It’s important to change perceptions around careers in construction; these jobs should be seen as rewarding and essential—not everyone needs a four-year college degree. This misconception can lead to confusion among younger individuals. A national campaign could help reposition these careers as vital and innovative, showcasing their role in America’s future.

Energy policy doesn’t have straightforward solutions. Technologies like solar, gas, and more emerging options all play roles in our energy landscape. But overlooking the vast potential of nuclear energy could have serious economic and environmental repercussions.

America’s formidable nuclear program does more than just generate power; it drives technological advancements, strengthens the national industrial base, and sets a bright future for generations to come.

If we handle this correctly, perhaps someone looking back from 2075 will consider today as the pivotal moment when America truly aimed for that energy moon shot.