Illinois Governor Pritzker Issues Order to Accelerate New Nuclear Build
Updated Published Cached
Executive order targets at least 2 GW new nuclear capacity – Governor JB Pritzker signed an order aiming to deliver two gigawatts of clean nuclear power, enough for roughly two million Illinois homes, and instructed state agencies to begin site identification and regulatory work [1][2].
30‑year moratorium on large reactors ends Jan 1 2026 – Legislation passed on 30 Oct 2025 lifted the ban on constructing new large‑scale reactors; Pritzker signed the bill into law on 8 Jan 2026, opening the path for new builds [1].
Existing fleet provides over half of state electricity – Eleven operating reactors currently supply more than 50 % of Illinois’ electricity, a result of earlier policies that kept the large‑scale nuclear fleet running after a 2021 law ensured its continuation [1].
Small modular reactors allowed up to 300 MWe from 2026 – A 2023 law authorized construction of SMRs with capacities up to 300 megawatts electric, expanding nuclear options beyond traditional large reactors [1].
Interagency work includes 60‑day notices of inquiry – The Illinois Power Agency and Illinois Commerce Commission must issue notices of inquiry to potential developers and interested communities within 60 days, data that will feed the next Integrated Resource Plan [1][2].
Clean Air Task Force applauds the nuclear push – Wibke Heymach, senior Midwest regional policy manager at the Clean Air Task Force, said the move supports Illinois’ 100 % carbon‑free goal and praised the governor’s leadership on clean, firm energy [1].
- JB Pritzker (Illinois Governor) – In his State of the State address, he said the order “will take years off the development and launch of new baseload energy production” and that his goal is “delivering at least two gigawatts of new clean nuclear capacity… enough to power up to two million Illinois homes.”
- Wibke Heymach (Senior Midwest Regional Policy Manager, Clean Air Task Force) – She stated, “Deploying clean firm technologies, like nuclear power, complements renewable energy and is essential to achieving Illinois' 100 % carbon‑free energy goal… We applaud Governor Pritzker for his leadership on nuclear energy.”