Executive Summary
The U.S. is targeting a threefold increase in nuclear capacity by 2050, adding more than 200 GW of new generation. But decades of limited nuclear construction have weakened the domestic supply chain, and utilities face shortages of qualified suppliers, specialized manufacturing capacity and skilled workers.
The challenges faced in the construction of Units 3 and 4 of the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia can serve as a warning. The first new U.S. nuclear construction in three decades saw its original cost estimate shoot up from $14 billion to $35 billion, with supply chain weaknesses primarily contributing to the price escalation.
The challenge ahead is even greater: meeting projected small modular reactor (SMR) demand will require the current utility workforce to grow by 354%; nearly 40% of today’s nuclear energy workers are eligible to retire within the next decade.
For procurement teams, the time to act is now.
Nuclear-grade supplier qualification requires rigorous quality systems, audits, traceability and material certifications, a process that can take months to years. Engineered equipment alone have lead times of 18–36 months.
The paper outlines four early actions for utility procurement leaders to secure the suppliers, capacity and expertise needed to support the next phase of nuclear development.
Read the full bulletin.
Frequently Asked Questions
The U.S. aims to triple its nuclear capacity by 2050, adding more than 200 GW of new generation. But decades of limited construction have weakened the domestic manufacturing capacity, reduced the pool of specialized workers and left gaps in the supplier base. The nuclear supply chain is weak.
Utilities face limited supplier capacity, shortage of skilled labor, difficulty sourcing specialty materials and lengthy nuclear-grade qualification requirements. Engineered equipment can have lead times of 18–36 months, while supplier qualification can take months or even years.
Nuclear-grade qualification requires documented quality management systems, witnessed audits, traceability records and material certifications. Starting early gives utilities more time to qualify suppliers and secure capacity before construction begins, reducing the risk of extended lead times, limited availability and higher costs.