Trump's $17.5 Billion Nuclear Loan Program

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The Trump administration announced a $17.5 billion federal loan scheme to encourage investment in revitalizing the United States' aging nuclear fleet. The program aims to help utilities buy expensive components to build large reactors produced by Westinghouse, to kickstart the country's nuclear energy supply chains and compete with China's rapid nuclear expansion. However, utilities must put up hundreds of millions of dollars themselves, and none have publicly signed on yet. The program faces challenges including financial risks, fuel supply chain vulnerabilities, and lack of long-term spent fuel management plans.