Texas has announced a significant commitment to nuclear energy with the passage of House Bill 14, a move that will channel $350 million into advancing the state’s nuclear capabilities. Governor Greg Abbott praised the legislation, stating it will enhance Texas’ leadership in a nuclear power renaissance across the United States. “Texas is the energy capital of the world, and this legislation will position Texas at the forefront of America’s nuclear renaissance,” he said.
The establishment of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office will spearhead efforts to modernize nuclear energy development. This initiative aims to strengthen the state’s nuclear manufacturing capacity, rebuild a domestic fuel cycle supply chain, and cultivate a skilled workforce for future nuclear projects. Governor Abbott expressed enthusiasm for signing the bill into law, highlighting its potential to transform the state’s energy sector.
Renewed Interest in Nuclear Power
The U.S. nuclear power industry is experiencing a resurgence as demand for electricity rises, particularly from data centers. This shift is bolstered by supportive policies for carbon-free energy generation and an increasing interest in reliable, long-duration power sources. Major technology firms are actively engaging with nuclear energy, marking a departure from decades of stagnation in new nuclear deployment.
Microsoft, for example, has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy that is linked to the company’s nuclear generation assets, including considerations for the future of the Three Mile Island site in Pennsylvania. The tech giant is also investing in nuclear fusion through its partnership with Helion Energy.
Other companies are following suit. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is collaborating with nuclear startup Kairos Power to advance small modular reactor technology, with an eye on reactors expected to become operational in the 2030s. Furthermore, Meta Platforms has entered into a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy for power from an existing nuclear facility in Illinois and is actively seeking proposals for an additional 1–4 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity in the United States.
Innovations on the Horizon
Innovative projects are also on the rise. TerraPower, founded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, is working on a sodium-cooled fast reactor, with a demonstration project currently in progress in Wyoming. Meanwhile, Oklo, supported by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, is developing small-scale nuclear reactors aimed at providing power specifically for data centers. The company is targeting deployment later this decade, pending regulatory approval.
With this comprehensive initiative, Texas is positioning itself as a key player in the future of nuclear energy, responding to both increasing electricity demand and the global push for sustainable energy solutions. The $350 million investment is not just a financial commitment; it represents a strategic vision for the state’s energy landscape and its role in shaping the future of nuclear power in the United States.
