Russia and China are quickly and aggressively marketing their civil nuclear technologies throughout the world. For emerging nuclear markets, such as in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, the comprehensive nature of Russian and Chinese civil nuclear packages—which includes financing, equity, operations, training, long-term support, fuel cycle services, and other side benefits—is very appealing. The Russian and Chinese governments have also made nuclear energy exports a strategic priority in order to achieve geopolitical objectives in key regions and countries. As it stands, the U.S. nuclear industry is not well poised to compete with Russian and Chinese nuclear suppliers. However, through robust support for nuclear energy innovation in small modular reactors and advanced reactors, coordination and cooperation between the public and private sectors, and cultivation of prudent international partnerships, the U.S. may be able to improve its competitive position vis-à-vis Russian and Chinese nuclear state-owned enterprises.
