DOE offers $17.5 billion loans for ten new nuclear reactors

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, that it will provide up to $17.5 billion in conditional loans to support the development of 10 new large-scale nuclear reactors. The initiative aims to revive the nation's nuclear supply chain and meet rapidly growing electricity demand, particularly from data centers and advanced manufacturing.

The financing, described as American Nuclear Supply Chain Loans, will be directed toward five separate projects, each of which would construct two AP1000 reactors designed by Westinghouse Electric Company. The goal is for all 10 reactors to be under construction by 2030 and to begin providing power in the mid-2030s. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the loans could accelerate development by up to three years and lower construction costs.

The funding is not for construction but is intended to help utilities purchase long-lead-time components, such as reactor vessels and steam generators, which can account for a quarter of a reactor's cost and take years to manufacture. To qualify, each project consortium must commit significant upfront equity. According to officials, Westinghouse and a utility partner would each...