NEI, nuclear-industry reps visit India, UAE to discuss trade climate

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) issued a report detailing recent trips to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India.

NEI and nuclear industry representatives used the trips to learn about each country’s regulatory status and to open the door for possible opportunities. During meetings in India, it was clear that if the U.S. Export-Import Bank had not been reauthorized, India would have sought other sources of supply, in the nuclear sector and beyond, NEI Director of Supplier Programs Ted Jones said.

While in India, both sides also discussed the nature of India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act. The NEI said suppliers were not protected from liability, resulting in U.S. businesses shying away from doing business in India. Indian officials said there is currently a proposed measure to establish supplier protection.

In the UAE, the trade delegation was informed of potential opportunities that exist in the country for supplier companies. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, the nation's first nuclear power station, is currently under construction and will house four South Korean nuclear reactors. When completed, it is expected to generate approximately 5,600 megawatts of electricity.

The National Conference of State Legislatures sent a 10-member delegation, and the group was also briefed on the UAE”s regulatory standards in terms of nuclear energy.

“As I live and work in a U.S. state with nuclear power, I am very impressed by [the UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation’s (FANR)] efforts to establish world-class nuclear regulations to ensure the safety and security of the UAE’s nuclear energy program,” State Rep. Tim Moore (R-NC) said.