US aims for 5 GW extra nuclear energy from existing reactors

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the Utility Power Reactor Incremental Scaling Effort (UPRISE) program to increase nuclear power capacity by adding 5 gigawatts (GW) from existing reactors by 2029, contributing to a broader national goal of 400 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050. UPRISE focuses on expanding output from current nuclear plants through power uprates, extending reactor lifespans, and restarting dormant facilities such as Michigan’s Palisades Nuclear Plant, which is set to resume operation in early 2026. This approach aims to rapidly boost electricity supply and maintain grid reliability without the lengthy timelines associated with building new nuclear plants. UPRISE leverages regulatory-approved power uprates that can increase reactor output by up to 20%, supported by efforts to assess plant equipment, streamline supply chains, and develop economic models to encourage investment. The DOE plans workshops to connect plant operators with major electricity users and offers significant federal financing options, including loan