Transatlantic collaboration in the nuclear sector is not new, companies like Urenco and Orano have long been players in both the European and U.S. nuclear sectors. What is new, however, is the shift in momentum—nuclear reactor development is increasingly taking root in the United States. Recent expansive developments in the nuclear policy landscape has been nothing short of revolutionary for the entire industry. We are now seeing the broad implications of these new pro-nuclear policies which were touted to grow the U.S.’s nuclear sector. With the primary goal of reestablishing US energy dominance, the NRC was reformed with the goal of streamlining approvals and bolstering the domestic supply chain. 

These policies expanded opportunities via the Reactor Pilot Program and the Advanced Nuclear Fuel Line Pilot Projects. This enables companies to move from design to deployment more quickly. The pro-nuclear stance has also paved the way for new projects, the recent 80 billion dollar deal between the U.S., Westinghouse, Cameco and Brookfield Asset Management is a prime example. The deal provides that the U.S. will assist developers with financing and securing permits. It has also seen collaborations between X-Energy and Amazon, who are building an SMR in Washington, and Constellation and Meta at the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois. 

And yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Bipartisan support for nuclear energy, beyond cutting red tape and expediting approvals for domestic reactor research and production, is encouraging foreign companies to develop their nuclear technologies in America. Italian SMR startup Newcleo and Thorizon, a Franco-Dutch SMR start-up are a few such firms. Newcleo is set to abandon plans to build 20 SMRs in Britain and build them here in the US instead. Thorizon is also looking to develop in the U.S. where, as Thorizon Chief Technology Officer Sander de Groot conveyed, they could get reactors operating faster than in Europe.

Beyond contemplating moving development from Europe to America, Newcleo is actively partnering with US based companies. Just past October, Newcleo has also signed an agreement/partnership with Oklo to develop advanced fuel fabrication and manufacturing infrastructure in the US. Newcleo plans to invest around $2 billion. Adding to the trend of European companies trying to get in on the US’s nuclear friendly policies, Blykalla, Sweden’s advanced nuclear technology developer is also considering investing in that project. 

Ultimately European companies are falling behind China, due to political and regulatory hurdles/bureaucratic red tape. As a consequence, they are turning to the US to take advantage of friendly and supportive nuclear policies. This bodes well for nuclear development in the US, and will have physical spill over effects that positively impact data centers and ambitions to reduce emissions, but just as importantly, it sends a message to the world that the US is reasserting its energy prominence. 

America is truly unleashing its energy dominance. Although this is great news, it raises concerns over whether or not the American labor market will be ready for this exponential increase in demand. As such, there is a significant need for workforce development in the nuclear sphere. The nuclear workforce is going to have to grow, and grow fast to keep pace with the growth of demand for nuclear energy. This is a huge opportunity for American nuclear, American energy, American security and American dominance on the global stage. 

This blog was written in the personal capacity of Vince Manni and Chase White as advisors at Nuclear Advocacy Resource Organization, a student and young professional organization.