WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is taking significant strides toward energizing America’s nuclear renaissance while addressing critical infrastructures vital to enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This ambitious agenda, outlined in a new document from the Office of Environmental Management (EM), highlights the ongoing efforts to modernize America’s strategic deterrent and safely manage aging facilities.
With the release of “Delivering Nuclear Remediation and Revitalization for American Energy, Security and Innovation,” EM showcases its groundbreaking achievements throughout 2025. This report underscores the department’s commitment to remedying the consequences of the nation’s nuclear past while paving the way for a sustainable and innovative energy future.
Tim Walsh, Assistant Secretary for EM, emphasized the foundational work accomplished this year, signaling a transformative era for remediation and redevelopment. “Whether it’s leveraging our skilled workforce, driving innovation, or delivering on cleanup efforts, there is tremendous potential to foster generational American jobs and make energy more affordable,” Walsh stated, hinting at a bright future as we shift toward this nuclear renaissance.
Key Highlights of 2025 Achievements
Among the significant milestones achieved in 2025, several initiatives stand out as critical for both environmental recovery and energy innovation:
- Land Transfer and Advanced Nuclear Development: The transition of land previously occupied by the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kentucky to General Matter is a pivotal step. This advanced nuclear firm is set to construct a new domestic uranium enrichment facility, promoting the next generation of nuclear power and bolstering energy independence.
- Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative: The inauguration of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative in South Carolina aligns with the DOE’s mission to bolster American manufacturing. This initiative serves not only as an economic driver—creating jobs and stimulating innovation—but also aims to expand the industry’s reach across various sectors.
- Solidification of Hanford Tank Waste: EM has made significant progress in solidifying tank waste into glass, a task that has taken 25 years and incurred $9 billion in costs. This milestone marks a critical step in the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste system, enhancing safety and efficiency in waste management.
- Demolition Efforts at Portsmouth Site: The ongoing demolition of the second among three uranium enrichment buildings at the Portsmouth Site in Ohio reflects a commitment to site cleanup, ultimately resulting in more land available for community use and development.
- AI Infrastructure Development: EM is making strides to support AI infrastructure advancements at the Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee and the Paducah Site, demonstrating a synergy between nuclear capabilities and cutting-edge technological needs.
- Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Enhancements: Completing infrastructure upgrades at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico ahead of schedule and under budget has solidified a vital capability for disposing of transuranic waste. This facility plays a crucial role in supporting not only cleanup but also the DOE’s national security and scientific endeavors.
As 2025 comes to a close, Walsh expressed optimism for the upcoming year, reiterating the urgency and purpose of their mission. “Based on our accomplishments this year, I look forward to further enabling the transition from nuclear remediation to a full-blown nuclear renaissance in 2026 and beyond,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of advancing America’s energy landscape.
For more detailed insights into the endeavors of the DOE’s Office of Environmental Management, you can read the full document “Delivering Nuclear Remediation and Revitalization for American Energy, Security and Innovation” here.