Next-generation nuclear reactors could get a boost from the National Defense Authorization Act
TL;DR
The NDAA for 2026, signed by President Trump, supports next-generation nuclear reactors, backed by bipartisan efforts for AI data centers and climate goals, with military interest in microreactors.
President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 Thursday with measures that further the bipartisan push for next-generation nuclear power plants.
The Trump administration has embraced the technology as a new energy source for data centers demanding greater amounts of electricity for AI. Many Democrats, meanwhile, have championed smaller and ostensibly cheaper and easier-to-build nuclear reactors as a carbon pollution-free energy source that can help fight climate change. The US military has also been interested in microreactors to power off-grid operations
The defense bill, which Congress passed e …