Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security
5/23/2025
Action Summary
- National Security Imperative: Recognizes the vulnerability of mission-critical defense facilities and AI infrastructure to energy disruptions; mandates a resilient, secure, and reliable energy supply through advanced nuclear reactor technologies.
- Advanced Nuclear Technologies: Focus on Generation III+ reactors, small modular reactors, microreactors, and mobile/stationary reactors to meet rapid national security energy needs and counter foreign technological advances.
- Strategic Policy Objectives:
- Accelerate development, demonstration, deployment, and export of U.S.-designed nuclear technologies.
- Enable private sector investment and leverage federally owned nuclear materials.
- Coordinate efforts between the Departments of Defense and Energy to optimize resource use and risk allocation.
- Deployment at Military Installations:
- Establish a program of record for nuclear energy use on military bases with an operational reactor by September 30, 2028.
- Designate the Secretary of the Army as the executive agent for nuclear energy operations at defense facilities.
- Engage DOE for technical support and the State Department for international legal considerations.
- Deployment at DOE Facilities:
- Designate AI data centers and critical defense facilities co-located with DOE sites as defense critical electric infrastructure.
- Identify DOE sites for nuclear reactor technology deployment with a target of operating the first reactor within 30 months.
- Utilize legal authorities to allow privately funded projects at DOE-controlled sites.
- Fuel and Materials Management:
- Inventory and process excess uranium and plutonium for reactor fuel.
- Establish a fuel bank with at least 20 metric tons of high assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for authorized projects.
- Develop domestic nuclear fuel fabrication and recycling capabilities using coordinated efforts between DOE and DoD.
- Interagency Coordination: Mandates collaborative agreements between the Departments of Energy and Defense for research, development, and operational support of advanced nuclear reactor technologies.
- Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:
- Consult with the Council on Environmental Quality to apply and potentially expand categorical exclusions under NEPA.
- Utilize emergency permitting procedures and alternative compliance arrangements for timely deployment.
- Promoting American Nuclear Exports:
- Drive diplomatic efforts through the State Department to negotiate new and renew expiring 123 Agreements.
- Streamline export authorization with DOE involvement and interagency coordination.
- Implement strategies with Treasury, Commerce, and other agencies to enhance global market competitiveness for U.S. nuclear technology.
- Security Clearances and Legal Provisions:
- Prioritize issuance of security clearances (including “L”, “Q”, “SECRET”, “TOP SECRET”, etc.) to support rapid nuclear tech deployment.
- Ensure compliance with budgetary, legislative, procurement, and nonproliferation requirements while safeguarding national security interests.
Risks & Considerations
- The Executive Order emphasizes the rapid development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, which could lead to increased federal focus and funding in this area. This may divert resources from other research areas, potentially impacting funding for non-nuclear energy research and development.
- There is a risk that the focus on nuclear technology could lead to regulatory and compliance challenges, particularly in terms of environmental and safety standards. This could affect institutions involved in nuclear research and development, including universities with relevant programs.
- The order’s emphasis on international cooperation and export of nuclear technology may require institutions to navigate complex international regulations and agreements, potentially impacting research collaborations and partnerships.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in national energy policy could affect its research priorities and funding opportunities, particularly in areas related to energy security and technology development.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may see increased demand for expertise in nuclear technology and energy systems, presenting opportunities for research and collaboration with federal agencies and private sector partners.
- The Department of Political Science might need to adjust its curriculum and research focus to address the geopolitical implications of nuclear technology deployment and international cooperation.
- The Office of Research could play a crucial role in securing funding and partnerships for projects related to advanced nuclear technologies and their applications in national security and energy infrastructure.
- Vanderbilt’s partnerships with federal agencies and national laboratories may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new energy policies and priorities.
Financial Impact
- The reallocation of federal funds towards nuclear technology initiatives could impact the funding landscape for other research areas, potentially leading to reduced financial support for non-nuclear energy research.
- Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize nuclear technology development. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
- There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in nuclear technology and energy systems, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Energy and other federal agencies.
- As nuclear technology becomes more prevalent, there could be a shift in the focus of research and development activities at Vanderbilt, potentially affecting resource allocation and strategic priorities.
Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore research opportunities in advanced nuclear reactor technologies, particularly in areas related to AI infrastructure and energy resilience. Collaborating with federal agencies and private sector partners could position the university as a leader in this emerging field.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in nuclear technology export policies and engage with policymakers to understand potential impacts on international collaborations and research funding opportunities.
- Vanderbilt’s Department of Political Science could conduct research on the geopolitical implications of the United States’ nuclear technology export strategy, providing insights that could inform policy discussions and enhance the university’s role as a thought leader in international relations.
- The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess potential partnerships with private sector companies involved in nuclear technology development, focusing on opportunities for technology transfer and commercialization of research outcomes.
- Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Energy Policy Program should evaluate the environmental and regulatory implications of deploying advanced nuclear technologies, contributing to policy development and public discourse on sustainable energy solutions.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to expand its research and development capabilities in nuclear technology, potentially attracting federal funding and enhancing its reputation in the field of energy innovation.
- By engaging with federal agencies and industry partners, Vanderbilt can position itself as a key player in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, opening avenues for collaborative research and educational programs.
- The focus on international nuclear technology exports offers Vanderbilt’s International Relations Program a chance to engage in policy analysis and advocacy, influencing how these technologies are integrated into global energy strategies.
- The emphasis on AI infrastructure powered by nuclear energy aligns with Vanderbilt’s strengths in AI research, providing opportunities to integrate these technologies into national security and defense applications.
- Hosting conferences and workshops on the implications of advanced nuclear technologies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative thought and practice in energy policy and technology.
Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to opportunities in research, international collaboration, and policy influence.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Within 30 days: The Secretary of Energy must approve or deny each technology transfer export authorization request within 30 days of receiving a complete application (excluding periods awaiting additional concurrence and assurances).
- Within 90 days:
- The Secretary of Energy shall designate one or more DOE sites for the deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies.
- The Secretary of Energy shall identify all useful uranium and plutonium material in DOE inventories.
- Several interagency strategies and programs (e.g., global competitiveness program for nuclear exports, and a strategy leveraging multilateral development banks) are to be determined.
- Within 240 days: The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with other agencies, must submit recommendations for legislative proposals and regulatory actions regarding advanced nuclear reactors and spent fuel on military installations.
- No later than September 30, 2028: A nuclear reactor must commence operation at a designated domestic military base or installation.
- Within 30 months: The goal is to have an advanced nuclear reactor operational at the first DOE-designated site.
Relevance Score: 4
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Defense (DoD): Charged with establishing nuclear reactor deployment programs at military installations, designating the Secretary of the Army as the executive agent, and coordinating security clearances via the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.
- Department of Energy (DoE): Tasked with designating DOE sites for nuclear reactor deployment, providing technical advice on reactor design and operation, managing uranium inventories, and facilitating regulatory approvals for privately funded technologies.
- Department of State: Involved in providing international legal advice, negotiating 123 Agreements for peaceful nuclear cooperation, and leading diplomatic engagements to promote American nuclear exports.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Required to coordinate on legislative proposals, regulatory actions, and budgetary implications arising from this order.
- Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ): Consulted to align categorical exclusions under NEPA and manage permitting procedures for nuclear reactor construction on Federal sites.
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): Engaged in consultation with the Department of Energy and the Department of State regarding export authorization processes for nuclear technologies.
- Department of Commerce: Consulted in the review and adjudication of export authorization requests and in developing strategies to promote U.S. nuclear technology globally.
- Department of the Treasury: Tasked with determining strategies that leverage multilateral development banks and support financial initiatives for U.S. nuclear projects.
- Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): Involved in assessing U.S. nuclear technology strategy and collaborating with other agencies on technological and policy guidance.
- National Energy Dominance Council: Consulted as part of strategy formulation for promoting U.S. nuclear exports and enhancing competitiveness in global markets.
- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA): Under the DoD, responsible for prioritizing and issuing the necessary security clearances to support nuclear energy and fuel cycle technology initiatives.
- United States International Development Finance Corporation: Referenced in strategic considerations to support equity and other financing mechanisms for American nuclear energy technology developments.
- United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA): Engaged to expand grant financing for nuclear technology projects and support U.S. nuclear export competitiveness.
- Export-Import Bank of the United States: Considered as a critical financial partner to increase financing support for U.S. nuclear technology projects throughout their lifecycle.
Relevance Score: 4 (Multiple Federal agencies are involved, reflecting significant interagency coordination central to national security and energy policy.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Defense – Charged with establishing the program of record for nuclear energy utilization at military installations and coordinating with other agencies for implementation.
- Secretary of Army – Designated by the Secretary of Defense as the executive agent to operate and oversee nuclear reactor deployment at military bases.
- Secretary of Energy – Responsible for providing technical advice on reactor design, overseeing site designation for advanced nuclear technologies at DOE facilities, managing uranium and plutonium inventories, and coordinating on reactor fuel and nuclear export authorizations.
- Secretary of State – Tasked with advising on international legal requirements, leading diplomatic negotiations for nuclear export agreements, and guiding related interstate export strategies.
- Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – To collaborate with the Secretaries of Defense, Energy, and military departments on coordinating legislative proposals and regulatory actions.
- Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy – Engaged in developing strategies for enhancing the global competitiveness of U.S. nuclear exports.
- Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs – Receives recommendations on legislative proposals and regulatory actions regarding the deployment and oversight of advanced nuclear reactors within the national security context.
- Secretary of the Treasury – Involved in developing export financing strategies to support U.S. nuclear industry competitiveness.
- Secretary of Commerce – Consulted on regulatory adjustments and the promotion of U.S. nuclear technology in international markets.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect multiple Cabinet-level officials and agency heads, making this order highly impactful on national security and energy policy implementation.)