The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed a $53.9 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, with nearly $45 billion directed toward nuclear energy and deterrence programs, marking a $5 billion increase from 2026 levels. This hefty allocation underscores a strategic pivot toward nuclear power and security under the Trump administration.
Of the total, the National Nuclear Security Administration secures $32.8 billion, a 12% jump or $3.6 billion more than the prior year. This funding fuels warhead modernization, infrastructure upgrades, life-extension programs, and next-generation naval reactor technology. It also bolsters nuclear emergency response teams and advances high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) production, which directly supports commercial reactor fuel supply chains.
Environmental Management receives $8.2 billion, a decrease of $386 million from enacted levels, to tackle legacy radioactive waste and contamination at former Manhattan Project and Cold War weapons sites. Roughly $3 billion is allocated to the Hanford site in Washington state, ensuring continued operation of the Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste Facility and hitting near-term cleanup goals. These efforts aim to reduce federal liability and free up land for potential nuclear or industrial redevelopment.
A separate $3.5 billion is set aside to rapidly deploy firm baseload power, likely encompassing a mix of nuclear energy and geothermal initiatives. While specifics remain unclear, the DOE has already rolled out award programs to accelerate these power generation methods favored by the current administration.
On the flip side, the budget axes $2.7 billion in funding by targeting what the administration calls “Green New Scam” initiatives and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. This reduction contrasts sharply with the heavy investment in nuclear priorities, signaling a clear policy shift away from certain renewable energy efforts.
Civilian nuclear energy programs, including advanced reactor demonstrations and fuel-cycle research, appear integrated into the non-NNSA portion of the budget or supported through the baseload power funding. The proposal reinforces a long-standing focus on nuclear deterrence and legacy stewardship, even as other energy sectors face cuts.
The FY27 budget request, with nuclear programs dominating nearly 80% of the allocation, positions uranium and nuclear infrastructure as central to U.S. energy strategy, with the $45 billion figure highlighting the scale of commitment for the coming year.
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