Nuclear Energy in Texas: A Strategic Opportunity for Reliability, Security and Growth
With over $2 billion in public funding planned, Texas is accelerating the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, including SMRs and microreactors. As the state repositions itself for energy resilience and innovation, France’s expertise across the nuclear value chain represents a major asset. The FACC is actively mobilizing to support French companies engage with local stakeholders, identify opportunities, and contribute to the future of low-carbon energy in Texas.
Meeting the Demands of a Rapidly Expanding Grid
Texas is facing a sharp and sustained rise in electricity demand, driven by the rapid growth of data centers, artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency mining. This digital and industrial acceleration is placing growing pressure on the grid and calling for energy solutions that can deliver consistent, large-scale power. Nuclear energy provides stable, weather-resilient power and strengthens Texas’s energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Across the country, the U.S. Department of Energy anticipates anticipates a major expansion of nuclear generation by 2050 to support the energy needs of emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing. As part of this shift, many tech companies are turning to nuclear power as a reliable and future-proof solution to fuel next-generation AI infrastructure.
A Strategic Shift Toward Advanced Nuclear
Texas, long recognized as the energy capital of America, is now turning toward a new frontier in advanced nuclear energy. The state sees nuclear as a key solution to ensure energy reliability, independence and long-term growth. Today, Texas operates two nuclear power plants: Comanche Peak and South Texas Project. Together, they provide electricity to nearly three million homes and employ approximately 2,200 Texans.
In 2024, Texas lawmakers proposed up to 2 billion dollars in public funding to support the development of advanced nuclear energy. This initiative led to the creation of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Deployment Office within the Governor’s administration, led by Representative Cody Harris. The office is tasked with lifting regulatory and logistical barriers, accelerating permitting processes and identifying viable sites for deployment. As part of this broader plan, 350 million dollars were allocated in the state budget to kickstart initial efforts. The state’s strategy focuses in particular on innovation, including the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors as flexible and scalable solutions for future energy needs. In May 2025, Governor Greg Abbott reinforced this momentum by signing four executive orders to support project development, regulatory clarity, workforce pipelines and public-private cooperation in the nuclear sector.
Creating Business Opportunities for French Companies
In addition to Bpifrance’s leadership, 13 innovative French companies showcased their cutting-edge technologies related to the energy transition. Their offerings spanned strategic areas such as clean lithium extraction, nuclear, renewable natural gas (RNG), hydrogen, and more. These companies aimed not only to present France’s technological expertise but also to expand their businesses in the U.S.
FACC Texas drew on its industry expertise and extensive network to design a packed and productive program. The week featured nearly 100 B2B meetings with leading innovators and decision-makers in energy and decarbonization. With support from Consul General Valérie Baraban, the delegation had the opportunity to meet the French Ambassador, followed by a networking reception with over 40 energy executives.
Additional sessions offered deeper insight into doing business in Texas and the broader U.S. market, including a luncheon hosted by French Tech Houston and a breakfast with Audrey Robat, CTO North America for Engie, spotlighting the challenges and opportunities of the U.S. energy transition. The group also toured Engie’s battery facilities—powering American Big Tech with clean energy—and visited Halliburton Labs, an innovative accelerator.
“It’s time for Texas to lead a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.”
— Governor Greg Abbott
Connecting Ecosystems and Creating Opportunity
France, which generates about 70 percent of its electricity from nuclear power, brings valuable experience in every segment of the nuclear cycle including plant design, operations, digital technologies and decommissioning.
The French-American Chamber of Commerce is supporting this convergence. By helping companies understand the momentum behind nuclear in Texas and across the United States, by connecting them with the broader ecosystem of industry, policymakers, innovators and researchers, by identifying business opportunities and potential partnerships, and by working to define strategies to seize new projects,The FACC plays a strategic role in fostering meaningful transatlantic engagement.
Texas Nuclear Summit | October 14–17
Join FACC mission on nuclear energy to connect with top U.S. stakeholders in policy, tech, and industry.