Data centers often dominate headlines here in the U.S., and with them comes a need for more energy. But a larger story is unfolding on the global stage: nuclear energy is experiencing a dramatic resurgence and America is poised to lead it.
The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2025 makes it clear that nuclear power is on track for a historic expansion, and the choices countries make now will shape global energy security for generations.
Innovative new reactor designs are bringing smaller, simpler reactors to market just as more and more countries are gaining a deeper appreciation for the benefits of clean and reliable nuclear power. According to the IEA, global reactor capacity is projected to grow by at least one third by 2035 and as much as 70% under more ambitious policy and investment pathways. The global opportunities over the coming years represent a historic opportunity for U.S. leadership.
Countries around the world are preparing to build new reactors, and many want American nuclear energy solutions because of their safety, reliability, and technical excellence. When a nation chooses to work with U.S. companies, it’s not just buying a product—it’s entering a potentially century-long partnership with the United States, spanning regulatory cooperation, commercial ties, and deep government-to-government engagement.
So, these projects are not just economic— they are strategic. Every reactor built with American technology and supply chains strengthens alliances and supports thousands of U.S. jobs.
But global competition is intense. Other nations are making aggressive offers, and countries evaluating new nuclear projects have choices – and one of the most important factors they have to consider is financing. Nuclear facilities are large, capital-intensive investments, and to move projects forward, countries often depend on government-backed financing. In order to win these projects, the U.S. government needs to bring competitive financing terms to the table and bring in private capital.
That is why NEI is laser-focused on ensuring the U.S. government’s financing tools are strong, flexible, and globally competitive. The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency all have essential roles to enable American companies to compete and win abroad.
As Congress considers the reauthorizations of DFC and EXIM over the next year, the stakes are high. DFC’s ability to provide equity investments is a powerful tool for countering offers from foreign governments and should be strengthened. And while EXIM can deliver significant financing support for nuclear projects, Congress should provide the agency with greater flexibility to ease the pathway to approval.
Congress must empower these agencies with the authorities, flexibility, and efficiency to compete head-to-head with state-backed enterprises— including Russia and China—support U.S. energy exports, and advance America’s strategic interests.
Our global competitors know full well the importance of nuclear power in establishing strategic partnerships. By strengthening America’s financing authorities now, we can help ensure that nations building the next generation of nuclear reactors choose to buy American.
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