ABSTRACT

In contrast to previous years, there is enormous bipartisan support for advanced nuclear development in Capitol Hill. Recent legislation on advanced nuclear (NELA, NEICA, NEIMA) all seek to facilitate nuclear energy innovation in the U.S. and allow U.S. companies to better compete in a burgeoning sector and market space. The stakes are beyond commerce and business—Russia and China are actively involved in advanced nuclear development and deployment, and U.S. participation in the global advanced nuclear market will be crucial to positively influence nuclear governance regimes. Recent advanced nuclear legislation in the U.S. aims to encourage the federal government to become an early adopter and purchaser of these technologies, streamline regulations, support workforce development, set aggressive demonstration and commercialization schedules, and provide capabilities and fuel types that presently do not exist in the U.S.