Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Energy

The increasing global demand for low-carbon electricity sources has made nuclear an attractive and reliable energy source. Nuclear power is crucial to reaching international climate goals—especially given its ability to decarbonize electricity systems and “hard-to-abate” industries—and maintaining global security. A robust civil nuclear-export program can strengthen US climate diplomacy and will ensure the highest safety and nonproliferation standards as new countries seek to build nuclear-energy programs. As the United States grapples with geopolitical challenges posed by growing Russian and Chinese nuclear exports, civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and its allies and partners will become even more essential.

Recent analysis

Wald quoted in National Review on an Iran nuclear deal

Dispatches Mar 3, 2026

How a crisis over a stockpile of uranium created an opening for US reengagement in Niger

By Adal Rhoubeid and Maureen Farrell

The recent failed coup in Benin has had the unintended consequence of creating a path forward for US reengagement in the Sahel.
East Africa Nuclear Energy
Wald quoted in National Review on an Iran nuclear deal

EnergySource Jan 26, 2026

Davos underscored how leaders are navigating global energy crossroads 

By Lisa Basquel, Elina Carpen, Amy Drake, Alexis Harmon

Amid shifting geopolitical lines, leaders at Davos 2026 articulated their visions for establishing regional and global energy security.
Critical Minerals Energy & Environment
Wald quoted in National Review on an Iran nuclear deal

Fast Thinking Nov 19, 2025

Digging into the details of the US-Saudi deals

By Atlantic Council

Our experts dive into the US-Saudi announcements that followed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s White House visit on Tuesday.
Artificial Intelligence Defense Industry

Programs and initiatives

Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative

The Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative is the Atlantic Council’s dedicated home for the exploration of nuclear energy’s future.

Global Energy Center

The Global Energy Center promotes energy security by working alongside government, industry, civil society, and public stakeholders to devise pragmatic solutions to the geopolitical, sustainability, and economic challenges of the changing global energy landscape.

Events

EnergySource

Jun 18, 2025

Energy security is only achievable through global partnerships

By Elena Benaim, Paddy Ryan

The Atlantic Council’s flagship Global Energy Forum concluded its programming in Washington, DC, today. What emerged as a central theme throughout was the undeniable need for any single country to engage in international partnerships to achieve energy and national security, whether speakers were discussing divergent transatlantic views, nuclear power, or critical mineral supply chains.

Africa Americas
Flagship Event Tue, June 17, 2025 • 5:00 am ET

2025 Global Energy Forum

The ninth Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum was held on June 17 and 18 in Washington, DC.
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment
Online Event Mon, June 23, 2025 • 8:00 pm ET

The next decade: Shaping the future of US-ROK nuclear cooperation
Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy
Load More

Content

In the News

Mar 3, 2022

Wald quoted in National Review on an Iran nuclear deal
Iran Middle East

EnergySource

Feb 11, 2022

Building on US advanced reactor demonstration momentum: Federal power purchase agreements

By Matt Bowen

The Tennessee Valley Authority’s recent announcement regarding the Clinch River site adds momentum to the US effort to demonstrate advanced reactors. There is, however, another policy lever at the federal level that could help to support some of these projects and still has not been utilized: federal power purchase agreements.

Energy Transitions Nuclear Energy

In the News

Feb 8, 2022

Slavin quoted in Le Point on challenges of US-Iran nuclear negotiations in Vienna

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Feb 8, 2022

Slavin quoted in Al Jazeera on US-Iran nuclear talks in Vienna and future negotiations

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion G20

In the News

Feb 7, 2022

Slavin quoted in USA Today on US-Iran negotiations amidst Ukraine crisis

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Jan 27, 2022

Sullivan in Arab News: Nuclear power is needed for net zero and more
Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

In the News

Jan 20, 2022

Slavin quoted by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) on Biden’s Middle East Policy

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Dec 22, 2021

Nia quoted in DawnMENA on the fate of the Iranian nuclear deal

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

Dec 22, 2021

Dagres quoted in DawnMENA on the fate of the Iranian nuclear deal

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Energy & Environment

In the News

Dec 22, 2021

Slavin quoted in DawnMENA on the fate of the Iranian nuclear deal

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran
Load More

Experts

Fellow

Nana Menya Ayensu

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

Fellow

George David Banks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

Fellow

Rita Baranwal

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

Fellow

Matt Bowen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

Fellow

Stephen D. Comello

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Infrastructure

Fellow

Joyce Connery

Distinguished Fellow

Global Energy Center Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy
Load More