Congress adds energy provisions to defense bill to spur advanced reactors
Why does a defense bill suddenly matter to the power grid? While the National Defense Authorization Act is traditionally a weapons‑focused piece of legislation, this year it carries a handful of energy clauses that could reshape how the United States fuels its next‑generation computing hubs. The provisions target advanced nuclear reactors—small‑scale designs that promise higher output with fewer materials than legacy plants.
If they move forward, the reactors could become a dedicated source for data centers that are gobbling up electricity to train ever‑larger AI models. The administration has already signaled support, framing the technology as a way to meet that growing demand without expanding fossil‑fuel use. Yet the political calculus is anything but uniform.
Democrats are raising questions about safety, cost and oversight, even as they acknowledge the potential benefits. The clash highlights a broader debate: can a military‑funded program also solve civilian energy bottlenecks? The answer may hinge on how lawmakers interpret the bill’s new energy language.
Congress passed energy provisions in the annual defense bill that could help spur the development of advanced nuclear reactors. The Trump administration has embraced the technology as a new energy source for data centers demanding greater amounts of electricity for AI. Many Democrats, meanwhile, have championed smaller and ostensibly cheaper and easier-to-build nuclear reactors as a carbon pollution-free energy source that can help fight climate change.
The US military has also been interested in microreactors to power off-grid operations The defense bill, which Congress passed earlier this week, includes two amendments that advocates for commercial nuclear energy are celebrating. The International Nuclear Energy Act establishes working groups and boosts funding and interagency cooperation on the development and export of US nuclear technologies. The NDAA also reauthorizes the US International Development Finance Corporation, a finance institution that's expected to invest in nuclear power plant and uranium fuel projects.
Those are "big wins" that make nuclear exports more attractive in the global market, Rowen Price, senior policy advisor for nuclear energy at center-left think tank Third Way, says in an email to The Verge. The bill also directs the Department of Defense to create an executive agent role "for installation and operational nuclear energy." Most Popular - A Starlink satellite seems to have exploded - Sony's legal battle against Tencent's Horizon 'clone' is already over - 2025 was the beginning of the end of the TV brightness war - Microsoft made another Copilot ad where nothing actually works - Kia and Hyundai will spend millions fixing old cars to stop 'Kia Boyz' thefts
The NDAA for FY2026 now carries energy provisions aimed at next‑generation nuclear reactors. Congress passed those measures hoping to spur development. The Trump administration has embraced the technology as a new energy source for data centers that need more electricity for AI.
Many Democrats, meanwhile, have voiced reservations about the approach. Whether the provisions will accelerate commercial deployment remains unclear. The bill’s language ties advanced reactor research to national security funding, suggesting a strategic angle.
Yet the path from legislative text to operating plants is long and uncertain. It doesn't guarantee success. Funding mechanisms are outlined, but details on timelines or specific projects are absent.
Critics may question the balance between defense priorities and civilian energy goals. Supporters argue the move could diversify the power mix for high‑density computing. Ultimately, the provisions add a policy lever, but their practical impact will depend on subsequent agency actions and industry response.
Only future steps will reveal if the initiative translates into tangible reactor builds.
Further Reading
- Summary of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act - U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee
- Key Environmental and Energy Takeaways from the Senate's $914 Billion National Defense Authorization Act - Holland & Hart
- Your expert guide to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act - Atlantic Council
- PRESS RELEASE | SAFE Applauds Numerous NDAA Provisions Supporting Energy and Supply Chain Security - Secure Energy
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Common Questions Answered
What energy provisions were added to the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act to support advanced nuclear reactors?
The FY2026 NDAA now includes language that earmarks funding and research support for next‑generation, small‑scale nuclear reactors. These provisions are intended to accelerate development by linking advanced reactor research to national security priorities and to create a dedicated energy source for high‑demand computing hubs.
How does the Trump administration view advanced nuclear reactors as an energy source for AI‑driven data centers?
The Trump administration has embraced advanced nuclear reactors as a new, reliable power source for data centers that require large amounts of electricity to run AI workloads. By promoting these reactors, the administration hopes to meet growing computational demand while reducing reliance on traditional fossil‑fuel generation.
What advantages do small‑scale advanced nuclear reactor designs have over legacy nuclear plants?
Small‑scale advanced reactors are marketed as delivering higher electricity output using fewer raw materials than conventional reactors. They are also touted as cheaper, easier to construct, and capable of providing carbon‑pollution‑free power, making them attractive for localized, high‑intensity energy needs.
What reservations have Democrats expressed regarding the use of advanced nuclear reactors to combat climate change?
While many Democrats support the idea of carbon‑pollution‑free nuclear power, they have voiced concerns about the safety, cost overruns, and regulatory hurdles associated with deploying new reactor designs. Their reservations reflect a cautious approach to ensuring that advanced reactors deliver promised climate benefits without unintended risks.