Next-generation nuclear reactors could get a boost from the National Defense Authorization Act  

The defense bill, passed by Congress earlier this week, includes two amendments that supporters of commercial nuclear power are celebrating. The International Nuclear Energy Act establishes working groups and strengthens funding and interagency cooperation for the development and export of U.S. nuclear technologies. The NDAA also reauthorizes the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, a financial institution expected to invest in nuclear power and uranium fuel projects.

These are “big wins” that make nuclear exports more attractive in the global market, says Rowen Price, senior policy adviser for nuclear energy at the center-left think tank Third Way, in an email to The edge.

The bill also directs the Department of Defense to create an executive agent role “for the installation and operation of nuclear energy.”