The Trump Administration Looks to a $80 Billion Nuclear Move Targeting AI and Data Center Growth – Where do you invest?

In a bold strategic pivot, the Trump administration is spearheading a massive revival of the U.S. nuclear energy sector, committing to at least $80 billion in new reactor construction to fuel the insatiable energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers. This initiative, announced through a binding term sheet with the U.S. Department of Commerce, positions nuclear power as a cornerstone for energy security, economic growth, and technological independence. By partnering with industry leaders like Westinghouse Electric Company, Cameco Corporation, and Brookfield Asset Management, the government aims to reinvigorate domestic supply chains, create tens of thousands of jobs, and counter the dominance of geopolitical rivals like China and Russia in nuclear technology.

The push comes amid explosive growth in AI and data centers, where power consumption is projected to surge by 165% globally by 2030, reaching 137 GW of capacity—with about 60% requiring new generation sources, according to Goldman Sachs Research. Hyperscalers such as Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Google are increasingly turning to nuclear for its reliable, carbon-free baseload power, avoiding the intermittency issues plaguing renewables like wind and solar.

Recent deals underscore this trend: Constellation Energy’s power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Microsoft to restart Three Mile Island and with Meta for the Clinton Clean Energy Center; Talen Energy’s supply agreement with Amazon Web Services from its Susquehanna plant; and NextEra Energy’s pact with Google to recommission Iowa’s Duane Arnold Energy Center.

At the heart of the plan is Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactor technology, with the U.S. government securing a 20% stake in future cash distributions exceeding $17.5 billion, contingent on the $80 billion commitment vesting. This investment is expected to accelerate large-scale nuclear deployments, each two-unit project creating or sustaining 45,000 jobs across 43 states and generating over 100,000 construction roles nationwide. The administration’s May 2025 executive order reforming the Nuclear Regulatory Commission further emphasizes nuclear’s role alongside fossil fuels in achieving energy independence, as President Trump stated: “In conjunction with domestic fossil fuel production, nuclear energy can liberate America from dependence on geopolitical rivals.”Challenges remain, including the erosion of the U.S. nuclear industry—evidenced by the Plant Vogtle project’s 15-year timeline and cost overruns from $14 billion to over $35 billion—and expiring reactor licenses in the 2030s.

However, the initiative’s focus on next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) promises simpler, cheaper builds to meet AI-driven demands. As Brookfield’s Connor Teskey noted, this partnership will “unlock the potential that Westinghouse and nuclear energy can play to accelerate the growth of artificial intelligence in the United States.”This $80 billion move not only addresses immediate energy hunger but also signals a “new nuclear age,” bolstering U.S. exports and positioning the country as a global leader in clean, reliable power for the digital economy.

The article “Washington’s $80-Billion Nuclear Play Targets AI’s Energy Hunger” provides a comprehensive overview of the Trump administration’s nuclear revival strategy, highlighting its ties to AI and data center growth. It effectively frames the initiative as a response to surging electricity demands, with insightful projections from Goldman Sachs on data center capacity needs. Key strengths include detailed coverage of partnerships (e.g., Westinghouse, Cameco, Brookfield) and recent PPAs (e.g., Constellation-Microsoft, Talen-Amazon), illustrating real-world momentum. The piece balances optimism with realism, noting historical challenges like cost overruns and regulatory hurdles. Overall, it’s a well-substantiated analysis that underscores nuclear’s strategic importance, though it could delve deeper into environmental impacts or SMR specifics for broader context.

Earnings Summaries for Key Companies

Below is a summary of the latest available earnings data for the key public companies mentioned in the article. Note that as of October 30, 2025, some Q3 2025 reports are previews or recently released, while others are actuals. Westinghouse, being privately held, does not have public earnings disclosures.