The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference was a few weeks ago in Vienna, Austria. The energy this year was unmistakable – U.S. nuclear showed up in full force at what proved to be a high point for American visibility and engagement on the global stage. The event showcased unprecedented U.S. government and industry coordination, signaling strong follow-through on recent Executive Orders advancing nuclear energy and exports. From record industry attendance to high-level government engagement, the message in Vienna was clear: U.S. nuclear is accelerating on all fronts.
Record-Breaking U.S. Industry Presence
The U.S. brought its largest-ever trade delegation to the IAEA General Conference, featuring 65 executives from 32 companies and organizations. This broad representation highlighted the depth and diversity of America’s nuclear supply chain, from advanced reactor developers to fuel suppliers and service providers. Industry leaders underscored how U.S. innovation and reliability are key to meeting the world’s growing demand for clean, secure energy. That momentum carried into the policy arena as senior U.S. officials amplified the same message on the global stage.
Doubling Down on International Engagement
The U.S. industry delegation nearly doubled the number of bilateral meetings with foreign counterparts compared to previous years – a tangible indicator of growing global interest in U.S. nuclear collaboration.
18 foreign delegation meetings were held, including with counterparts from key allies such as the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the United Kingdom, as well as with established and emerging nuclear partners across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America – including Canada, Poland, Finland, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the Philippines, Ukraine, and regional Caribbean and Latin America partners. These meetings reinforced U.S. leadership in promoting safe, secure, and clean nuclear energy worldwide and expanded conversations on cooperation in advanced reactor deployment, fuel supply, and regulatory harmonization.
U.S. Government Leadership Front and Center
Adding to the momentum, senior U.S. government officials were highly visible throughout the week – including Secretary Wright, who led multiple events and highlighted the administration’s commitment to expanding nuclear energy both at home and abroad. Secretary Wright met directly with U.S. industry leaders during a policy roundtable to discuss opportunities and challenges shaping the future of nuclear energy. Chairman David Wright was also a key speaker in this meeting, joined by a full table of U.S. government officials. The roundtable set a collaborative tone for the week, emphasizing shared goals in advancing U.S. civil nuclear competitiveness.
The U.S. Booth this year was a centerpiece of the exhibit floor, featuring holograms of senior officials delivering messages on U.S. partnership. It also hosted the first-ever “Industry Power Hours,” a new series of presentations coordinated by the U.S. government to showcase American companies and technologies to the global audience. Together, these efforts underscored Washington’s intent to accelerate nuclear deployment both domestically and internationally.
Momentum that Mirrors Policy
The enthusiasm at this year’s IAEA General Conference showed that the private sector and government are moving in lockstep to turn those policies into tangible outcomes. That visibility and coordination reflect the broader national push to expand nuclear exports, strengthen partnerships, and reassert U.S. leadership in global nuclear standards. This alignment mirrors a broader U.S. effort – through recent Executive Orders and DOE-led initiatives – to make nuclear energy central to energy security, economic competitiveness, and technological leadership. That same alignment will be critical as the U.S. prepares for the next phase of global deployment and export competitiveness.
The energy and engagement in Vienna spoke volumes. U.S. nuclear leadership is resonating on the global stage, and partners are responding. The conversations that started here won’t end in Vienna – they’re setting the tone for what’s to come.
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