Nuclear energy is largely driven by its ability to enable clean urban living. Rapid global urbanization, energy security concerns, and decarbonization of industrial sectors are all significant factors driving the shift towards nuclear energy, as nuclear is the only “always-on, emission-free small footprint” solution. Land use is a significant value addition for nuclear technologies as urban areas typically lack the land space that is required to meet power consumption needs through renewable technologies. Small Modular Reactors offer a size-appropriate solution for increased electricity demand in cities. Currently, Russia and China dominate the global nuclear market with 50% of the market share for existing and planned nuclear projects. While the geopolitical perspectives from other nations may incline governments to seek partners outside of Russia and China, western nations have not been able to deliver nuclear projects, forcing new and developing markets to cooperate with Russia and China. The US and its allies should focus on being able to deliver projects to completion in order to offer nuclear importers alternatives to the Russian and Chinese nuclear business packages.
