National Interest

by R. Budd Haemer

    The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 aligns US policy, finance and diplomacy to help American nuclear firms compete and win against Russia and China globally.

    For years, US nuclear companies have struggled to compete overseas. The problem wasn’t technology—America leads the world in advanced reactor designs—but a lack of coordination. Different government agencies pulled in different directions, leaving businesses without clear support. Meanwhile, Russia and China stepped in, offering financing and turnkey deals to countries eager for nuclear power.

    Enter the International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 (INEA). This new law, tucked inside the National Defense Authorization Act, is a game-changer. It creates a unified strategy to help US companies export nuclear technology and reclaim leadership in the global energy market.

What’s in the International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025

•     A Clear Roadmap: INEA sets up two key working groups to craft a 10-year export strategy. No more scattered efforts—this is a coordinated push to get US technology into emerging markets.
•     Financing Muscle: Nuclear projects are expensive. INEA provides grants and encourages partnerships with private investors and the Export-Import Bank. Between 2026 and 2030, $50 million will help new nuclear nations work with US companies.
•     Global Partnerships: The law calls for renewing international agreements and hosting biennial conferences on safety and security. These moves build trust and make US technology the preferred choice.
•     Competing With Russia and China: INEA offers alternatives to foreign financing and promotes US reactors in regions where Russian influence is strong. It’s about giving countries a better option—safe, reliable and backed by American innovation.
•     Building Capacity: Grants up to $5.5 million per country will help nations develop nuclear programs using US expertise. That means training, licensing and waste management—all with American technology at the center.

Liability Protection in India

    One of the most important steps in expanding US nuclear exports is addressing liability concerns. India’s strict nuclear liability laws have long been a barrier for foreign suppliers, including American companies. INEA directs the US government to work with India on aligning liability frameworks and conducting joint assessments of nuclear reliability rules. This effort aims to reduce legal risks for US vendors, making it easier to enter the Indian market—a country with enormous energy demand and strong interest in advanced reactors.

Why Does the International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 Matter for the United States

    Nuclear energy is key to a clean, reliable future. Countries around the world want it and the United States now has the tools to deliver. INEA isn’t just a law—it’s a strategy to put America back on top in one of the most important energy sectors of the 21st century.