How much more power can nuclear plants provide?

As electricity demand surges due to the rise of AI and data centers, US nuclear operators are increasingly looking to 'power uprates' to boost existing capacity. Constellation recently announced a $4.3 billion plan to expand output across 11 reactors, while the Department of Energy has committed $4.2 billion in loans to Vistra for similar upgrades. These projects involve equipment overhauls and the use of more highly enriched fuel to generate additional steam for turbines. While uprates are more expensive than solar or natural gas alternatives, they offer a faster way to secure clean, reliable energy. Industry experts estimate that between three and eight gigawatts of additional capacity could be unlocked through these upgrades. With major tech companies like Google and Meta signing long-term power purchase agreements, the financial incentive for these capital-intensive projects has significantly strengthened, signaling a potential resurgence in nuclear output.