Map Shows New Nuclear Reactors Being Built Across the US
A newly announced microreactor is the latest sign of a nuclear power revival that is reshaping the U.S.'s energy landscape.
A map unveiled by the Department of War highlights a resurgence in nuclear power construction across the United States, with reactors sprouting up from the Pacific Northwest to the Gulf Coast. At the heart of this expansion stands a new nuclear microreactor project in Indiana, set to be operational by 2028, to power a key military installation.
Pentagon officials assert this initiative will bolster energy security and resilience for defense operations. This development is part of a broader wave of nuclear reactor projects underway, ranging from Wyoming to Texas, including the TerraPower Natrium, Kairos Hermes, X-energy's Xe-100, Palisades SMR, KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor, KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor, and Oklo Aurora and Project Pele at Idaho National Laboratory.
The map encompasses reactors in various stages of development, from licensing to deployment. It does not encompass every potential project, especially those still in early planning stages. The nuclear renaissance in the U.S. follows a prolonged slump since the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima accidents, intensified by climate change concerns and the need for reliable, carbon-free energy.
The resurgence in nuclear power gains momentum as the world seeks low-carbon alternatives to meet growing electricity demands and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. President Donald Trump has championed nuclear energy as part of his energy policy, signing executive orders to expedite reactor construction, simplify licensing, boost domestic fuel production, and augment U.S. nuclear capacity.
The military has recognized nuclear power's role as a reliable energy source, with the Army's Janus program aiming to place microreactors at key installations to guarantee uninterrupted power. Despite controversy surrounding nuclear energy, including concerns over waste storage, safety, security, and costs, public opinion appears to be evolving.
A June 2026 survey revealed that while many oppose AI data centers near their communities, a majority support nuclear power plants, suggesting a potential shift in public perception towards nuclear energy. The ultimate success of these projects remains uncertain, yet the map underscores a significant shift in the U.S. nuclear energy landscape, signaling a renewed commitment to this power source for energy, industrial growth, and national security.
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