Optimism About Nuclear Energy Is Rising Again. Will It Last?

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 8 min read 100% complete by Ivan PennJanuary 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM

AI Summary

long article 8 min

Optimism is growing for a new generation of nuclear power plants, particularly small modular reactors. Companies like Kairos Energy are developing these reactors, aiming for cheaper and more easily assembled designs than traditional plants. Kairos Energy is currently constructing a plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with hopes of being one of the first of these new reactors. The industry aims to provide cheap energy for growing demands, including artificial intelligence. Despite the potential, the nuclear industry has historically faced challenges with project completion, steep costs, and safety concerns. While the U.S. has the most nuclear reactors, China has built significantly more new ones in recent years.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Augusta 30% Albuquerque 40% San Francisco Bay Area 40% Bill Clinton 40% Manhattan Project 40% Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant 40% Oak Ridge 50% China 50% Trump administration 60% Mike Laufer 60% United States ×270% Kairos Energy ×490%

Keywords

nuclear energy 100% small modular reactors 80% nuclear power plants 70% kairos energy 70% new nuclear age 60% reactor construction 60% nuclear reactors 50% energy costs 50% nuclear safety 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.20

Source Transparency

Source

New York Times - World

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.30)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

United States

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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nuclear energy small modular reactors nuclear power plants kairos energy new nuclear age reactor construction nuclear reactors energy costs nuclear safety

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