Recent analysis

The value of the US nuclear power complex to US national security

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
The value of the US nuclear power complex to US national security

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
The value of the US nuclear power complex to US national security

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 Wed, May 6, 2020 • 4:00 pm ET

Virtual fireside chat with H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, chief executive officer of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance Middle East Nuclear Energy
Public Event Fri, May 1, 2020 • 10:30 am ET

Restoring US nuclear competitiveness: A conversation with Assistant Secretary for the US Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy Dr. Rita Baranwal
Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy United States and Canada
Public Event Tue, April 28, 2020 • 2:00 pm ET

Virtual fireside chat with Neil Chatterjee: COVID-19 and the US energy system
Americas Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions
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Content

nuclear submarine and military members

Issue Brief

Oct 14, 2019

The value of the US nuclear power complex to US national security

By Dr. Robert F. Ichord, Jr. and Bart Oosterveld

Based on conservative estimates of the value it provides due to human capital, dependability of the energy supply, vibrancy of the supply chain, and contributions to green power—the civilian nuclear energy industry contributes at least $42.4 billion annually to the pursuit of US national security priorities.

Economy & Business National Security
nuclear submarine and military members

Issue Brief

Oct 14, 2019

The value of the US nuclear power complex to US national security

By Dr. Robert F. Ichord, Jr., Bart Oosterveld

Based on conservative estimates of the value it provides due to human capital, dependability of the energy supply, vibrancy of the supply chain, and contributions to green power—the civilian nuclear energy industry contributes at least $42.4 billion annually to the pursuit of US national security priorities.

Economy & Business National Security

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin in The American Conservative: Iran and the Poisonous Fruits of ‘Maximum Pressure’

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Aug 5, 2019

Bell in Utility Dive: Ohio nuclear and coal bailout is a loss for nuclear power and the climate

By Atlantic Council

Nuclear Energy Renewables & Advanced Energy

EnergySource

Jul 30, 2019

Nuclear energy in context: What we’re reading

By Amb. Thomas Graham, Jr. and Admiral Richard Mies

The current discourse around nuclear energy reflects the extent to which the stakes have grown higher, both for environmental impact and US national security.

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy

EnergySource

Jun 10, 2019

A call for action on US nuclear leadership: Reflections on the Atlantic Council’s task force report

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr

The Task Force focused on saving the existing nuclear fleet, innovation and development of new advanced reactors, challenges in the global market, and the nuclear fuel cycle and security concerns.

Americas Energy & Environment

EnergySource

May 23, 2019

What is the state of US nuclear energy leadership?

By Becca Hunziker

Throughout 2018, the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center convened a “Task Force on US Nuclear Energy Leadership,” comprised of civilian and military experts in foreign policy, defense, and nuclear energy, with Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) as honorary co-chairs, to address the national security implications of the decline of the US nuclear […]

Americas Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

May 21, 2019

Nuclear power could be the key to a secure future, senators say

By David A. Wemer

The potential for nuclear power plants to provide substantial emissions-free energy on a reliable and cost-effective basis will be key to addressing a range of challenges facing the United States, from climate change to economic competition, US Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) said on May 21.

Climate Change & Climate Action Nuclear Energy

Report

May 20, 2019

US nuclear energy leadership: Innovation and the strategic global challenge

By Atlantic Council Task Force on US Nuclear Energy Leadership

A flourishing domestic nuclear energy sector is critical to US national security, both in the interconnections between military and civilian uses of nuclear energy, as well as in foreign policy.

Nuclear Energy United States and Canada

In the News

Apr 16, 2019

Robert Manning in Foreign Policy about North Korea nuclear arsenal

By Atlantic Council

English Geopolitics & Energy Security
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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

Rumina Velshi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative

Nuclear Energy

Fellow

George David Banks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Nuclear Energy
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