Texas has launched a significant initiative to enhance its nuclear energy sector with a commitment of $350 million. Governor Greg Abbott praised the Texas Legislature for passing House Bill 14, which aims to position the state as a leader in a national nuclear power renaissance. “Texas is the energy capital of the world, and this legislation will position Texas at the forefront of America’s nuclear renaissance,” Abbott stated.
The new initiative includes the establishment of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. This office will focus on advancing next-generation nuclear development and deployment. Abbott emphasized that the funding represents the largest national commitment to nuclear energy, aimed at boosting Texas’ nuclear manufacturing capabilities, rebuilding the domestic fuel supply chain, and training the future workforce in nuclear energy.
As demand for electricity continues to rise, particularly driven by data centers, the U.S. nuclear power sector is witnessing renewed interest. Policy support for carbon-free energy generation has contributed to this momentum, encouraging large technology companies to explore nuclear energy solutions. Notably, Microsoft has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy, linked to its nuclear generation fleet. This agreement highlights a strategic shift towards nuclear energy after decades of limited new deployments.
In addition to Microsoft, other major companies are investing in nuclear technology. Alphabet has partnered with Kairos Power to develop small modular reactor technology, which is expected to facilitate power supply from future reactors anticipated to come online in the 2030s. Google has also made significant investments in fusion energy, supporting companies such as TAE Technologies and Elemental Power, which are focused on developing innovative nuclear solutions.
Furthermore, Meta Platforms has entered into a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy for electricity from an existing nuclear reactor in Illinois. The company is actively seeking proposals for new nuclear capacity, aiming for an additional 1–4 gigawatts in the U.S. This move aligns with a broader trend among tech giants to secure reliable, low-carbon energy sources.
The landscape of nuclear energy is further shaped by initiatives like TerraPower, co-founded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. The company is currently developing a sodium-cooled fast reactor, with a demonstration project underway in Wyoming. Meanwhile, Oklo, supported by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is working on small-scale nuclear reactors designed to provide power to data centers, targeting initial deployment by the end of the decade, contingent upon regulatory approvals.
The Texas initiative, backed by substantial financial commitments and strategic partnerships, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the nuclear energy sector in the United States. As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, Texas is positioning itself to lead the charge in the next era of nuclear power development.
