WSJ What’s News Episode Summary

Title: Is the U.S. Ready for a Nuclear Energy Boom?
Host: Alex Osoloff
Release Date: July 27, 2025

Introduction: The Potential for a Nuclear Revival

In the July 27, 2025 episode of What’s News Sunday, host Alex Osoloff delves into the ambitious plans aiming to rejuvenate America's nuclear energy sector. With rising electricity consumption and burgeoning demands from the tech industry, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), the discussion centers on whether the U.S. is on the cusp of a new nuclear age. Osoloff sets the stage by highlighting unprecedented private support and backing from the Trump administration, which seeks to quadruple nuclear power generation over the next 25 years.

Current State of Nuclear Energy in the U.S.

The episode begins by contextualizing the current energy landscape:

• Electricity Demand: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, last year marked an all-time high in U.S. electricity consumption, with projections indicating continued growth fueled by AI advancements.
• Historical Hesitations: The legacy of nuclear accidents like Three Mile Island (1979) and Fukushima (2011) has cast long shadows over the industry. Additionally, competition from more affordable energy sources has historically dampened nuclear plant development.

Quote:
"Memories of meltdowns like Three Mile Island in 1979 and Fukushima in 2011 still linger due to factors like competition from cheaper energy sources," explains Osoloff (00:43).

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): A Game Changer

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which represent a transformative approach to nuclear energy:

• Design and Safety: SMRs are designed to be inherently safe, with technologies that make meltdowns virtually impossible. Clay Sell, CEO of X Energy, emphasizes that these reactors are fundamentally different from traditional models.

  Quote:
  "These are reactors that are intrinsically safe. In the case of our reactor, it cannot melt down," states Sell (02:37).

• Economic Viability: SMRs can be manufactured in factories and transported to installation sites, potentially reducing construction costs compared to traditional nuclear plants.

Challenges: Despite their promise, questions remain regarding the cost-effectiveness of SMRs and their capacity to meet the vast energy needs of the U.S.

Changing Public Opinion and Political Support

Public perception of nuclear energy is undergoing a notable shift:

• Generational Shift: Sell points out a generational change in attitudes towards nuclear power. Younger generations (50 and below) are more receptive, viewing nuclear energy as a safe, emission-free power source essential for combating climate change.

  Quote:
  "The younger generation... recognize that no technology is a 100% solution... nuclear is a very safe form that makes no air emissions," Sell remarks (07:05).

• Political Backing: Bipartisan support has galvanized the industry, with recent executive orders from President Trump aiming to significantly expand nuclear energy production.

Quote:
Osoloff notes, "Recent executive orders from President Trump aim to quadruple nuclear power generation in the next 25 years," highlighting the administration's commitment (00:36).

Economic and Infrastructure Considerations

Achieving the Trump administration's ambitious targets necessitates substantial investments and infrastructural advancements:

• Capital Requirements: Sell underscores the need for massive capital infusion, supported by government programs like loan guarantees and tax incentives to mitigate financial risks.

  Quote:
  "We have to recognize that it's going to take a tremendous amount of capital," Sell emphasizes (12:06).

• Supply Chain Rebuilding: The U.S. must revitalize its nuclear supply chain, which has dwindled since the 1990s, requiring the re-establishment of manufacturing capabilities and workforce expertise.

• Grid Modernization: The current electrical grid faces challenges in scaling to meet increased demand. Enhancements in transmission infrastructure and grid reliability are critical for integrating new nuclear power sources.

  Quote:
  Osoloff addresses grid concerns, stating, "The grid will just have to handle it, but it can be a slow process in some places," (09:25).

Industry Collaboration and Future Projects

X Energy is at the forefront of this nuclear renaissance, actively collaborating with major industry players:

• Partnership with Amazon: X Energy announced a collaboration with Amazon to deploy up to 5 gigawatts of nuclear power over the next 15 years, marking a significant milestone for the industry.

  Quote:
  "We agreed to work together to deploy up to 5 gigawatts... in the next 15 years," Sell explains (11:07).

• Site Development: Plans are underway to construct up to 12 SMRs in Washington State, in partnership with Energy Northwest. Amazon has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into this project, signaling strong market confidence.

Overcoming Obstacles: Path to a Nuclear Future

The episode concludes by outlining the critical steps needed to realize a nuclear-powered future:

1. Immediate Industry Mobilization: Initiating projects without delay is essential to meet the ambitious energy targets.
2. Financial Support and Incentives: Continued government backing through financial incentives will be pivotal in attracting investments and reducing risks for developers.
3. Supply Chain and Workforce Development: Rebuilding the nuclear supply chain and cultivating a skilled workforce are imperative to support the construction and operation of new reactors.

Final Quote:
Sell encapsulates the roadmap, stating, "We have to rebuild our supply chain enterprise to build nuclear power plants," highlighting the necessity of infrastructural and industrial revitalization (12:47).

Conclusion

The episode of What’s News Sunday provides a comprehensive exploration of the potential resurgence of nuclear energy in the United States. With technological advancements like SMRs, shifting public opinion, and robust political support, the foundations for a nuclear energy boom appear promising. However, significant challenges related to financing, infrastructure, and public acceptance remain. The collaboration between industry leaders and major corporations, exemplified by X Energy and Amazon, offers a hopeful glimpse into a sustainable and powerful nuclear future.

Produced by: Charlotte Gartenberg
Supervising Producer: Michael Kosmides
Deputy Editor: Chris Daniel Insley

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the episode have been excluded from this summary.

Timestamps Reference

• [00:00 – 00:06] & [06:15 – 13:38]: Advertisements (skipped)
• [00:06 – 12:55]: Content Summary
• [02:10 – 12:47]: Key Discussions and Quotes