Director Michael Kratsios
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Operation Gigawatt Summit
Deer Valley, Utah
Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here in the stunning surroundings of Utah. I extend my gratitude to Governor Cox for convening us today. Federalism is a cornerstone of America’s success, and states like Utah play a critical role in the American Nuclear Renaissance.
Tomorrow marks one year since President Trump signed a series of Executive Orders regarding nuclear energy. Representing the Trump Administration, I am here to celebrate the progress made over the past year and to outline our vision for the future.
Last year’s executive orders by President Trump marked a transformative moment for civil nuclear power, comparable to President Eisenhower’s Atoms for Peace initiative in 1953. That era saw the rise of American nuclear energy, with 30 nuclear plants operating, 55 under construction, and more than 80 in planning. The future seemed poised for nuclear-powered trains, planes, and flying cars.
Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t continue. Before President Trump’s policies, there were no new reactors being tested, and operational reactors were being shut down. The U.S. was entirely reliant on other nations for fuel. The average NRC review process for new reactor licenses took over 20,000 hours, and combined operating licenses required 48-60 months. License amendments for power increases took up to two-and-a-half years, and many innovators faced rejection after exhaustive paperwork.
That scenario has changed. The measures enacted by these orders are not just an upgrade to American energy infrastructure but a revolution for American power, setting the stage for a century of innovation.
A year ago marked the beginning of a renewed effort toward a promising future. Past stagnation has been overturned, and the industry is gaining momentum. The policy, business, and technology leaders gathered here are achieving remarkable things. Thank you all for embracing this vision and tackling these challenges.
Let me highlight some of the progress from the past year.
The industry is building and testing again. To speed up the development of cutting-edge SMR technology, the President set a goal for the DOE reactor pilot program: at least three test reactors reaching criticality by July 4, 2026. Despite doubts, we are confident that at least three participants will achieve this milestone soon. DOE, NRC, and DOW are collaborating to streamline licensing for successful participants, avoiding redundant submissions for future approvals.
The American nuclear industrial base is being revitalized to meet current electricity and national security needs. Over the past year, domestic uranium production has doubled compared to the previous six years combined. More than $2.5 billion has been invested in domestic uranium enrichment. Progress is also being made in American nuclear exports and cooperation with international partners, including support for reactor construction in allied countries.
At this celebration of Utah’s contribution to the Nuclear Renaissance, I’m pleased to report on our collaboration with states to bring the complete nuclear fuel cycle home, contributing to America’s reindustrialization. The decades-long issue of managing used nuclear fuel is being addressed through the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses concept, which is gaining traction.
The response to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive nationwide. Since February, DOE has received over 20 applications from states, with four states willing to accept uncapped and unrestricted amounts of used fuel. The perception of nuclear power has improved significantly, restoring our confidence.
Nuclear energy is now seen as a crucial tool for national security rather than a liability or proliferation risk. Although the Navy has played a key role in military nuclear energy, it will no longer be the sole representative. The Janus Program aims to provide microreactors to military bases under U.S. Army oversight by 2028. The Air Force is also engaging in these promising developments. Energy resilience is essential everywhere, particularly at critical national defense sites.
President Trump’s policies have led to major reforms at the NRC. The regulation of nuclear facilities and materials in the U.S. is being modernized, eliminating unnecessary regulatory hurdles while enhancing safety and efficiency. The NRC now approves power uprates and license extensions within a year and has adopted a new approach to environmental reviews. The Robinson plant renewal set a record for the fastest license review. The NRC has renewed licenses for 18 reactors, ensuring nearly 17,000 megawatts of power for an additional 20 years. It also issued the first advanced reactor construction permit in decades and a license to manufacture TRISO fuel. There is more work ahead, but the progress has been remarkable.
The Trump Administration has prioritized American energy dominance from its first day back in office. The efforts to rebuild the national industrial base, win the AI race with China, bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S., revitalize the drone industry, and launch a new space age of supersonic travel and flying cars require an increase in American energy supply.
Civilian nuclear is central to achieving this goal. President Trump envisions adding nuclear power to the grid by restarting closed reactors and boosting production from the existing fleet. By 2030, we aim to add 5 Gigawatts to the grid, equivalent to building five new large reactors. The planned restarts of the Palisades in Michigan and the Crane Energy Center in Pennsylvania will contribute over 1600 Megawatts within a few years. Moreover, the NRC has introduced the first regulatory framework for fusion machines, paving the way for innovative energy technology.
Today is not only about marking the anniversary of President Trump’s nuclear orders but also celebrating over 250 years of American scientific exploration.
In 1752, Benjamin Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment during a storm in Philadelphia, demonstrating the electrical nature of lightning. Two centuries later, Franklin’s legacy continued as four 200-watt lightbulbs were illuminated with Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1 in Arco, Idaho, heralding the era of civilian atomic power.
From Franklin’s kite to the nuclear age, America gained independence, became an industrial powerhouse, and led the world into the age of Edison. Americans electrified the globe, inventing key elements of modern life.
We have the potential to do so again. As President Eisenhower stated with Atoms for Peace, “the United States knows that peaceful power from atomic energy is no dream of the future.” While the future remains uncertain, the steps we celebrate today will illuminate the path forward.
Most importantly, by 2026, America’s civilian nuclear program will provide the energy needed for us, our children, and future generations to sustain and grow this great nation for the next 250 years.
Thank you.
