Washington, D.C.—The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has officially announced it will lift its legacy prohibition on funding nuclear energy projects. The following statement can be attributed to Maria Korsnick, president and chief executive officer of NEI:

“The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s decision to allow funding of nuclear power projects will advance the agency’s mission by boosting U.S. national security, our economy, and global clean energy goals. Financing plays a decisive role in global nuclear energy procurement decisions – this milestone policy change will enable U.S. nuclear exports to compete on a more level playing field against state-owned rivals from countries such as Russia and China.

"It also positions the United States to help other countries reach their climate and energy goals, with the potential for multibillion-dollar growth in exports. U.S. nuclear energy companies are poised to offer a broad portfolio of innovative technologies to meet the growing worldwide demand for reliable, carbon-free energy over the next decade.

"When it comes to reviewing applications for nuclear energy projects, DFC should adopt the Ex-Im Bank’s rigorous existing guidelines, designed and implemented in accordance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards for protecting people and the environment. A consistent, coordinated U.S. government policy on such projects would reassure our potential international partners. 

"We thank DFC CEO Adam Boehler and the DFC board of directors for their continued support, and the Administration, particularly Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, for their extraordinary leadership in promoting our industry’s growth around the world. We look forward to working together to provide the world with more American nuclear energy technology.”