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Top 10 Upcoming Nuclear Projects in the U.S.

December 8, 2025

The United States is leading in a new era of nuclear power. From small modular reactors to microreactors and next-generation high-temperature designs, a chain of new projects is changing the future of nuclear energy across the United States. These projects do not just provide a carbon-free power source but also help contribute to energy security and assist in updating the United States’ energy infrastructure.

U.S. Upcoming Nuclear Projects

Using data from the World Nuclear Association, the following table highlights 10 notable nuclear projects in the U.S., each helping to build a more reliable, secure, and pollution-free energy system for the future. The table below is sorted based on the overall project significance:

Project Significance	Project Name	Location	Reactor Type / Technology	Capacity	Status (as of 2025)	Key Development.
1	TerraPower Natrium Reactor	Kemmerer, Wyoming	Sodium-cooled fast reactor with molten-salt energy storage	345 MWe (up to 500 MWe in peak mode)	Early construction (non-nuclear); licensing underway	Replacing a retired coal plant. Infrastructure, backed by DOE, is a major milestone for fast-reactor tech.
2	Oklo Aurora Fast Reactor	Idaho National Laboratory	Fast microreactor (updated 2025 design)	~75 MWe	Site characterization completed; early-phase construction prep	One of the first fast microreactors, designed for long fuel cycles and small footprints.
3	Kairos Power Hermes	Oak Ridge, Tennessee	Fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactor	Pilot-scale (non-commercial prototype)	Construction is starting in 2024 and is aimed at operation by ~2027	Revolutionary FHR technology for greater safety and efficiency.
4	X-Energy Xe-100 SMR Project	Benton County, Washington	High-temperature gas-cooled SMR (HTGR)	12 reactors totaling ~960 MW	Development & licensing stage	Designed to pair with industrial heat applications; strong federal support.
5	Holtec Palisades Restart + SMR-300 Plan	Covert, Michigan	Existing pressurized water reactor (restart) + future SMR-300 units	Restarted plant: 800+ MW; future SMRs: 300 MW each	Regulatory review for restart; development plan for SMRs	First potential restart of a closed U.S. nuclear plant; major step for nuclear fleet revitalization.
6	Project Pele Microreactor	Idaho National Laboratory	Transportable microreactor (defense-led)	1.5 MW	Under development; slated for demonstration by 2026	First U.S. military-backed mobile reactor; serves remote/critical installations.
7	Blue Castle Nuclear Project	Green River, Utah	Two large-scale reactors	1,500 MW each (3,000 MW total)	Pre-licensing; facing financing & water-rights challenges	One of the largest proposed nuclear projects in the U.S., a long-term clean baseload.
8	Kewaunee Site New Reactor Proposal	Wisconsin	Potential SMR/advanced reactor site	TBD	Exploratory & feasibility phase	Will reuse existing grid and nuclear infrastructure; cost-effective redevelopment.
9	Westinghouse AP300 SMR Program	Multiple potential locations (U.S.)	Light-water small modular reactor (SMR)	300 MW	Design certification planned; pre-application engagement with NRC	Uses proven AP1000 tech; targeted for industrial power + fast deployment.
10	Reactor Restarts & Life Extensions (fleet-wide)	Nationwide	Upgrades, restarts, and license renewals	Various	Ongoing	Preserves the life of the U.S. nuclear fleet, the quickest means to retain carbon-free baseload power.

Credit: U.S. Department of Energy and World Nuclear Association.

Conclusion

U.S. upcoming nuclear projects will be shaped by transformation, innovation, diversity, and targeted investments. From big ideas to small microreactors, every undertaking is part of an overall national drive to realize cleaner baseload power and a more adaptable modern grid. But with challenges yet to navigate, including licensing, cost, and fuel supply. These projects are a potent indicator of the usage of nuclear power and are a keystone of the energy future. As technologies continue to evolve and new alliances develop, the U.S. has a unique opportunity to take ownership of an international transition toward safer, more efficient, and sustainable nuclear applications.

FAQs

1. Why are SMRs compared to traditional nuclear plants?

SMRs are smaller, factory-manufactured reactors that can be installed more quickly and expanded as necessary. They take up less land and possess better safety features than the older designs.

2. What is the purpose of Project Pele Microreactor Idaho?

It’s designed to provide flexible power for remote or critical installations, an example of next-gen nuclear deployment beyond traditional power grids.

3. Are these new nuclear ventures safe?

Yes. The reactors currently use passive safety channels that require no human or electrical intervention. They are meant to reduce the danger of meltdowns and improve emergency response.

4. What are the objectives of Advanced Light-Water SMR Projects?

This model is designed for industrial uses, district heating, or smaller grid zones, offering less upfront cost and faster build times than traditional large reactors.

5. How are nuclear projects funded?

The money comes from federal programs, private investors, utility partnerships, and technology companies. A number of U.S. Department of Energy projects are funded by grants and cost-sharing.

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Certrec. This content is meant for informational purposes only.