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

Why the Arctic matters

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
Why the Arctic matters

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
Why the Arctic matters

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
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Content

EnergySource

Jun 17, 2021

Why the Arctic matters

By Julia Nesheiwat

The Arctic may appear a faraway place with little significance to most societies, but its safety and security are vital to the entire planet. Its unique yet fragile ecosystem, abundance of natural resources and opportunities, and wealth of human history and cultures make it absolutely essential.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Apr 21, 2021

Nasr in New York Times: The clock is ticking for Biden on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

Press Release

Apr 1, 2021

EPRI Vice President and CNO Rita Baranwal joins the Atlantic Council Nuclear Energy and National Security Coalition

Former Assistant Secretary for the US Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy brings deep public and private sector experience on nuclear policy and technology

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

In the News

Mar 25, 2021

Nasr joins the Quincy Institute to discuss if time is running out for the JCPOA?

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Iran

In the News

Mar 5, 2021

Gordon and Greene in The National Interest: Why the U.S.-South Korea Nuclear Partnership Matters
Korea Nuclear Energy

In the News

Mar 5, 2021

Shaffer in Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Armenia’s nuclear power plant is dangerous. Time to close it.
Nuclear Energy The Caucasus

In the News

Mar 4, 2021

Nasr in Foreign Affairs: Biden’s narrow window of opportunity on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Nuclear Deterrence

Report

Mar 2, 2021

Advancing US-ROK cooperation on nuclear energy

By Stephen S. Greene

Although nuclear power is a key component in US and South Korean electricity generation, the nuclear energy industry in both countries is struggling. Research and development, bilateral trade, and the sale of nuclear energy technologies to third countries represent opportunities for bilateral cooperation that will strengthen both country’s nuclear energy industries.

East Asia Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Feb 19, 2021

How a HALEU bank could work

By Stephen S. Greene

Lack of a long-term, reliable source of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel represents a critical risk to the deployment of advanced reactors, which could be a key source of carbon-free electricity in the future. However, a HALEU fuel bank could resolve the conundrum facing advanced reactor developers and potential HALEU fuel suppliers by supporting the production of HALEU for advanced reactors and resolving the uncertainty faced by reactor developers and their potential customers and sources of financing.

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

EnergySource

Feb 12, 2021

As the United States develops advanced reactors, a new fuel supply chain is critical to national security

By Ambassador Thomas Graham, Jr. and Admiral Richard Mies

Over the past five years, the United States has made meaningful progress in the development of advanced nuclear reactor designs critical to keeping the country on the cutting edge of nuclear technology. These positive trends signal a growing need for the Department of Energy to address a key challenge that many reactor developers face as they move toward deployment: the lack of a reliable source of high-assay low-enriched uranium fuel.

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy
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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
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