Recent analysis

Strengthening cooperation with allies could help the United States lead in exporting carbon-free nuclear energy

New Atlanticist May 25, 2025

What Trump’s new executive orders mean for the US nuclear energy industry

By Jennifer T. Gordon

The US president signed four executive orders on May 23 intended to usher in an “American nuclear renaissance.”
Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy
Strengthening cooperation with allies could help the United States lead in exporting carbon-free nuclear energy

New Atlanticist Apr 29, 2025

Are small modular reactors in Kazakhstan’s nuclear energy future?

By Aruzhan Meirkhanova

While Kazakhstan’s immediate nuclear focus is on a large-scale power plant, in the coming years small modular reactors could offer several advantages.
Central Asia Nuclear Energy
Strengthening cooperation with allies could help the United States lead in exporting carbon-free nuclear energy

EnergySource Mar 7, 2025

The US can reduce Russia’s nuclear energy—and geopolitical—influence

By Marina Lorenzini

As the Trump administration outlines its energy priorities, strengthening the US nuclear industry remains a point of bipartisan agreement. Revitalizing this sector will lead not only to domestic economic growth, but also a reduction in Russia’s dominance in global nuclear markets and its geopolitical leverage.
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

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

Public Event Tue, October 17, 2023 • 5:00 pm ET

The role of the mountain west in the energy transition
Nuclear Energy United States and Canada
Online Event Tue, October 3, 2023 • 12:30 pm ET

The Frontiers Project Meeting: Anchorage, Alaska
Americas Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy United States and Canada
Online Event Wed, September 20, 2023 • 11:30 am ET

The Frontiers Project Meeting: Jackson, Wyoming
Americas Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy United States and Canada
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Content

EnergySource

Oct 7, 2020

Strengthening cooperation with allies could help the United States lead in exporting carbon-free nuclear energy

By Matt Bowen, Jennifer T. Gordon, Jackie (Kempfer) Siebens

Driven in part by concerns over climate change, nuclear energy is receiving renewed attention. In order for the United States to meet growing international demand for nuclear reactors—rather than ceding the mantle of global exports to Russia and China—the United States will need to increase coordination with its allies in commercializing advanced reactors and streamlining relevant interagency processes.

Energy & Environment
Geopolitics & Energy Security

In-Depth Research & Reports

Sep 14, 2020

Innovation in Nuclear Energy Technologies: Implications for US National Defense

By Dr. Robert F. Ichord, Jr. and Dr. Jennifer T. Gordon

The US Department of Defense (DOD) has the potential to play a significant role bringing advanced reactor technology to demonstration and, ultimately, commercialization. Possible US military applications of advanced reactors—especially micro nuclear reactors (MNRs)—include deployment to remote bases that are challenging to supply with fuel; power systems for directed-energy weapons; and nuclear energy systems for space flight and off-world bases. This issue brief explores the challenges and opportunities inherent in DOD’s procurement of MNRs.

Defense Technologies
Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Aug 31, 2020

Nuclear cooperation can bolster US-Slovenia ties

By Olga Khakova

Nuclear energy will be essential to meeting Slovenia’s climate neutrality goals and strengthening the country’s energy self-sufficiency. Increased US-Slovenia cooperation on nuclear development will bolster transatlantic ties and ensure safe and transparent nuclear plant operations.

Energy Transitions
Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Aug 7, 2020

Cohen in Forbes: ITER, The World’s Largest Nuclear Fusion Project: A Big Step Forward
Energy & Environment
Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Aug 1, 2020

Azodi quoted in The New York Times on Iran’s foreign policy
Iran
Nuclear Energy

EnergySource

Jul 24, 2020

Searching for the missing link: Options for firm zero-carbon power

By Stephen S. Greene

“Firm” zero-carbon generation resources, which are not necessarily intended to run all the time, but can be available at any time, will be needed to complement renewable resources in the future, without emitting the CO2 produced by today’s fossil energy system. These resources might include, for example, fossil-fuel power plants with carbon capture, nuclear power plants with improved dispatchability, geothermal power, and bio-fueled generators. But the path to developing, and certainly deploying, such resources has been slower and more fraught than for renewables; these “firm” electricity generation resources represent a missing link in the path towards a decarbonized electricity grid.

Energy & Environment
Nuclear Energy

EnergySource

Jun 17, 2020

Innovation can break the gridlock on nuclear waste

By Michelle Brechtelsbauer

Innovation has always been a key tenet of the nuclear power industry. With scientific consensus building that nuclear power must play a significant role in mitigating climate change, there has been renewed focus on fuel design and fuel cycle research to support the next generation of nuclear technology. This attention also creates an opportunity to reinvigorate innovation on back-end technologies that may prove to be the key to circumventing the longtime political impasse on nuclear waste.

Energy & Environment
Nuclear Energy

EnergySource

Jun 3, 2020

US nuclear energy leadership: The way forward

By Amb. Thomas Graham Jr.

The recently released report, Restoring America’s Competitive Nuclear Energy Advantage, commissioned by the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nuclear Fuel Working Group, is an important step forward for US national security, the battle against climate change, and the health of the US economy. After decades of misguided policy, this report puts the United States back on track in leading a worldwide nuclear energy system that is effective, reliable, and carbon free.

Energy & Environment
Nuclear Energy

Press Release

Jun 1, 2020

Atlantic Council announces membership in Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy network

WASHINGTON, DC—June 1, 2020—On behalf of the Atlantic Council, President and CEO Frederick Kempe has announced his membership in Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy (GCNP), a leadership network that brings together heads of organizations working in nuclear policy who are committed to breaking down gender barriers and making gender equality a working reality within their […]

Nuclear Energy

Report

May 26, 2020

European energy security and the critical role of transatlantic energy cooperation

By Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Jennifer T. Gordon

Transatlantic cooperation is essential to European energy security, which is and should remain a key national security priority for the United States. European energy security is crucial for the maintenance of a strong European economy and for European political stability, both of which are in the best interests of the United States. This report recommends that the United States and the EU focus their energy cooperation in several areas that will benefit the EU’s efforts to meet climate targets and that, at the same time, will also bolster energy security.

Energy & Environment
Europe & Eurasia
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Experts

Fellow

Kayla T. Orta

Nonresident Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Arms Control East Asia

Fellow

Rita Baranwal

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

Board director

Sherri Goodman

Board Director

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative Global Energy Center

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Fellow

Joyce Connery

Distinguished Fellow

Global Energy Center Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

Fellow

Stephen D. Comello

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

Fellow

Rumina Velshi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative

Nuclear Energy
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