The data is in…nuclear energy is far more popular than you may have guessed. One of the largest research projects around nuclear energy sentiment conducted in recent history confirms this, but the U.S. Congress has also taken significant, bipartisan steps showing the growing support for more nuclear energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has come a long way over the last four years in realizing the true value of nuclear power in ensuring energy security and electricity reliability. However, the DOE continues to underestimate the supply risk of nuclear fuel on the global stage.

Consensus is building around the need for more nuclear energy to achieve America’s energy goals, play a key role in the global energy market, and lower global emissions. Bipartisan wins in Congress and support from the Trump and Biden Administrations have created and solidified a clear path for more nuclear energy in America and abroad.

During the flurry of lame-duck activity, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the International Nuclear Energy Act (S.4046) by voice vote. The policy is intended to support global clean energy deployment and national security. The United States, in partnership with its allies, must offer a competitive alternative to Russian nuclear exports, or Russia will continue expanding its geopolitical influence.

Over the past three years, more than 70 electric utilities, serving roughly 81 percent of American customers, have launched significant carbon emissions pledges. Concurrently, many have made clear in those pledges that they need firm, flexible clean energy. Thankfully, clean energy innovation and huge investment in sectors like nuclear energy, carbon capture, and geothermal is turning goals into reality.

The purpose of this memo is to provide recommendations for the successful deployment of regional clean hydrogen hubs by the Department of Energy (DOE), as authorized under Section 40314 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).