Oregon Rejects Nuclear Power Expansion Amid Rising Electricity Demand

In 2025, Oregon is charting a course for its energy future that does not include nuclear power, even as neighboring states move to build or revive their nuclear sectors to meet growing electricity demand.

The state's 25-year energy strategy, published in November 2025, prioritizes policies to increase energy efficiency in buildings, industry, and transportation, as well as expanding clean energy sources like solar and wind. Nuclear power is mentioned only briefly in the 150-page report, with state officials taking a "more cautious approach" due to Oregon's history and tradition.

This contrasts with recent decisions in Washington, Idaho, and California, where lawmakers have invested in nuclear energy development or delayed the closure of existing nuclear plants to address expected demand from data centers. Oregon, which has some of the largest data center markets in the world, acknowledges this will be the primary driver of energy demand in the state for at least the next five years.

However, state officials believe there are faster and more cost-effective ways to meet this growing electricity need than pursuing new nuclear facilities, which face lengthy permitting and safety review processes. Instead, Oregon plans to focus on policies that accelerate building and transportation electrification, providing incentives to replace fossil fuel-powered equipment with electric alternatives.