The US Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy’s (NE’s) new initiative aims to use existing nuclear energy infrastructure to put more power on the grid. The Utility Power Reactor Incremental Scaling Effort (UPRISE) strives to significantly expand US nuclear energy capacity by increasing the power output of existing reactors, bringing dormant facilities back online, and completing stalled projects.
UPRISE plans to deliver immediate results that will accelerate nuclear power growth and foster innovation by leveraging proven nuclear technologies and streamlining regulatory processes. US energy needs are projected to rise over the next several years driven in part by growth in industrial manufacturing, as well as the power needs of data centres to support artificial intelligence.
President Trump four Executive Orders (EOs) signed in May – Eos 14299, 14300, 14301, and 14302 – together aim to expand US nuclear energy capacity from 100 GWe in 2024 to 400 GWe by 2050. EO 14302, Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base, directs the DOE to facilitate 5 GWe of power uprates and have 10 new large reactors under construction by 2030.
UPRISE aims to make a significant contribution to the effort by targeting the most cost-effective and immediate methods to significantly increase nuclear energy capacity. The initiative will focus on extending reactor lifespans through licence renewals, boosting output through power uprates, restarting dormant facilities and optimising operating plant efficiency with modern technologies including advanced fuel technologies. UPRISE aims to achieve 2.5 GWe of additional nuclear capacity by 2027 and 5 GWe of total additional nuclear capacity by 2029.
Near-term actions will be centred on a three-pronged approach focused on establishing the business case by examining supply chain readiness, assessing plant equipment for increased power output or upgrades, and validating economic models to support project investment decisions. The initiative will also support research to streamline regulatory processes, advancements in nuclear fuels, and workforce initiatives as a foundation for future nuclear deployments.
“This will be a resurgence for America’s nuclear fleet,” said DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary Rian Bahran. “Through UPRISE, the Department will work with industry to surpass the President’s goal of 5 GWe of domestic nuclear energy expansion by 2030.”
Later in 2026, through the UPRISE initiative, NE and the Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF – formerly the Loan Programs Office) will convene match-making workshops to facilitate collaborative agreements between NPP owners and end users. EDF has more than $289bn in available loan authority and could provide up to 80% financing for eligible project costs associated with nuclear uprates at attractive interest rates. DOE loan program supported the deployments of Vogle units 3&4 and is currently supporting the Palisades NPP and Crane Clean Energy Center restarts.
