Nuclear Energy Now tracks the latest nuclear energy developments across technology, diplomacy, industry trends, and geopolitics.
What Trump’s EU Trade Deal Means for Nuclear
A major focus of President Donald Trump’s second term has been tariffs and securing trade deals, and his latest agreement is with the European Union (EU). The EU has made a large—but non-binding—pledge to purchase $750 billion of US energy products, including nuclear fuel, oil, and liquified natural gas, as well as investing $600 billion in the United States by 2028. In return, Trump agreed to impose only a 15 percent tariff on EU goods, excluding steel and aluminum, half of the original tariff rate that was threatened. However, because the EU doesn’t purchase energy, it will need to rely on its member states in order to fulfill the commitment. The deal is framed as part of Europe’s effort to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and includes the potential export of American nuclear technologies, though advanced reactor designs remain years away from commercial readiness. Still, the political commitment could help drive investment into the US nuclear fuel supply chain at a time when Washington is working to expand domestic enrichment capacity and fast-track advanced reactor development. For Europe, however, it signals further dependence at a time when the EU is focused on competitiveness.
The United Arab Emirates Is Expanding Global Nuclear Partnerships
With the completion of the Barakah nuclear power plant, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is looking to expand its role in global nuclear deployment. The Emirates Nuclear Energy Co. (ENEC) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Westinghouse to support the deployment of AP1000 reactors in the United States, build and restart nuclear projects, and develop fuel supply chains, operations, and maintenance services—in line with the goals of the United States to quadruple nuclear energy capacity to meet rising energy demand. ENEC also signed an MoU with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, which has received praise for completing the Barakah nuclear power plant on time and within budget. The two plan to cooperate on the joint development of new nuclear projects and information sharing. Separately, ENEC partnered with Samsung Construction & Trading Corporation to pursue joint development and investment opportunities in nuclear energy projects, as well as plans for small modular reactor (SMR) deployment in the UAE, the United States, and globally. These new agreements build on partnerships with Newcleo and GE Vernova Hitachi for the deployment of SMRs, supporting the UAE’s goal of generating 30 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.
Nuclear Momentum Builds Across South and Southeast Asia
South and Southeast Asian nations, driven by decarbonization goals, rising demand, and energy security, are making progress in their plans for nuclear energy. India has approved 10 new reactors, adding 7,000 megawatts electric (MWe) in capacity, and plans to develop domestic Fast Breeder Reactors and deploy Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), which are backed by $2.5 billion in the 2025 budget for design and deployment. Currently, nuclear power accounts for 1.6 percent of India’s installed capacity, but it is building eight new reactors, which will contribute 6,600 MWe, moving the country closer toward the government’s goal of 100 gigawatt electrical (GWe) of nuclear energy by 2047. Meanwhile, Malaysia has completed a pre-feasibility study endorsing nuclear energy as a stable, clean, and reliable energy source. This follows Malaysia’s Civil Nuclear Strategic Partnership agreement with the United States to develop domestic capabilities. In Vietnam, the long-delayed Ninh Thuận nuclear power plant project is back on track with a $50 million investment and legislative backing, and is a part of the country’s broader plans for an energy sector transformation. Finally, Sri Lanka is moving forward with its plans for nuclear energy. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently recognized Sri Lanka for its advancements in nuclear infrastructure development and for making progress on the IAEA’s recommendations made in 2022. So far, the country has included nuclear energy in its long-term planning, drafted legislation, established management oversight, and identified five potential nuclear power plant sites. These developments in the region signal a broader transition from exploration to action and a growing interest in nuclear energy as a means to address energy-related challenges.
Project Pele Is Moving Forward
The US Department of Defense’s (DOD) long-planned Project Pele microreactor is moving forward, with BWX Technologies (BWXT) now fabricating the 1.5 MWe high-temperature gas-cooled reactor core. The project, launched in 2016 to expand the military’s power supply, is expected to come online in 2028, aligning with President Trump’s executive order for DOD to operate a nuclear reactor by September of that year. The microreactor, which will operate at Idaho National Lab, is expected to operate for at least three years without refueling and will be powered by TRI-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, which BWXT has completed, and feature a Rolls-Royce-developed power conversion system. Project Pele, if successful, could pave the way for the deployment of other microreactors at US military bases, which will provide clean and resilient power for national security purposes.
About the Author: Emily Day
Emily Day is an experienced researcher, writer, and editor with expertise in geopolitics, nuclear energy, and global security. She is an Associate Editor of Energy World at The National Interest and a Research Associate at Longview Global Advisors, where she provides insights on global political and economic trends with a specialization in utilities, risk, sustainability, and technology. She was previously a Della Ratta Energy and Global Security Fellow at the Partnership for Global Security.
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