Trump administration partners with Westinghouse, Brookfield, and Cameco to fund a “nuclear renaissance” aimed at powering the nation’s energy-hungry data centers.
WASHINGTON — The United States government has entered into an $80 billion strategic partnership to build a new fleet of nuclear reactors, an ambitious move designed to meet the soaring energy demands of the artificial intelligence industry, Westinghouse announced on Tuesday.
The deal, the largest in the nuclear sector since President Donald Trump returned to office, brings the federal government into an alliance with Westinghouse and its parent companies, Brookfield Asset Management and Cameco.
Under the terms, the U.S. government will finance the construction of new reactors, including the Westinghouse AP1000 and the smaller AP300 modular reactor. In exchange, the government will receive a stake in Westinghouse, entitling it to 20% of any cash distributions above $17.5 billion.
The initiative is a direct response to a May executive order by Mr. Trump, which set a goal of having ten “new large reactors with complete design in construction by 2030.”
“The president promised a ‘nuclear renaissance,’ and now he is delivering,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. He added that the plan will “help unleash President Trump’s grand vision to fully energize America and win the global artificial intelligence race.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the agreement “embodies President Trump’s vision to reclaim our energy sovereignty, create high-paying jobs, and place America at the forefront” of nuclear energy.
The push aims to reverse decades of stagnation in the U.S. nuclear industry, which has not seen a new plant started since 2009. The massive electricity consumption of AI-driven data centers, along with energy security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has driven the new focus. Tech companies like Google and Microsoft have also announced their own significant investments in nuclear projects.
Keep Independent Journalism Alive
In a world flooded with noise, independent journalism is more vital than ever. We work hard to bring you clear, accurate, and unbiased international news — free from corporate or political influence.If you believe in the power of honest reporting, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, helps us stay independent and keep the world informed.
Support us via PayPalYour support makes a difference.
