Fostering a nuclear landscape to power America's next 250 years

[Marlin]

Fostering a nuclear landscape to power America's next 250 years

https://www.ans.org/news/2026-07-02/article-8156/over-before-its-begun/

[Core Content]

The Trump administration has set a goal to achieve criticality for three advanced reactor concepts by July 4, 2026, as part of the Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program. Critics argue this deadline is arbitrary and functions as a distraction from the broader need for grid-scale commercial nuclear capacity.

While the administration promotes these pilot programs, industry analysts note that microreactors do not address the 300 gigawatts of capacity required to meet long-term energy goals. Sustained industry growth depends on consistent regulatory engagement, secure financing, and clear paths to commercialization rather than accelerated timelines for demonstration projects that lack grid connection strategies.

On top of the many celebrations planned for America's 250th birthday, the Trump administration wants to mark a nuclear milestone as well: achieving criticality for at least three advanced reactor concepts by July 4, 2026.

But this wouldn't really be a milestone. On a day of fireworks nationwide, it would just be more noise.

Third Way has celebrated the nuclear sector's progress during the Trump administration and supported the goal of 400 GW of nuclear energy by 2050. Additionally, we think all five commissioners on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission have prioritized safety in new designs and defended an understaffed agency under pressure to bypass important processes.

Read the full article at ans.org:
https://www.ans.org/news/2026-07-02/article-8156/over-before-its-begun/