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

Dispatches
Aug 13, 2026
The Danube is running dry, and taking Central Europe’s power supply with it
By
Alex Șerban, Silvian Trandafir
From nuclear power in Romania and Hungary to hydropower in Serbia, the region depends on the major European river to meet its energy needs.

EnergySource
Jul 28, 2026
How the US can achieve nuclear energy dominance at home and abroad
By
Justin Friedman
Washington has several levers at its disposal to accelerate the deployment of new nuclear energy.

Dispatches
Jul 23, 2026
With a Saudi deal, the US begins ‘Plan C’ for nonproliferation in the Middle East
By
William F. Wechsler
Washington is now attempting to achieve its nonproliferation objectives through deep political and commercial integration with partners’ nuclear programs.
Programs and initiatives
Events
Tue, June 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET
2026 Global Energy Forum
The tenth Global Energy Forum will chart the course for continued innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the global energy transition.
Tue, September 23, 2025 • 9:00 am ET
Nuclear Energy Policy Summit 2025: Delivering on nuclear energy ambitions
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.