What you'll find on this site
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is the Nuclear Cooperation Initiative (NCI)?
A:
The NCI facilitates assistance for countries developing the infrastructure capabilities and organizational culture that meets the highest standards for nuclear safety, safeguards, and security as they embark on a new civil nuclear power program or expanding on existing civil nuclear power programs. It provides a comprehensive suite of U.S. Government capabilities and expertise, as well as, industry, and academic programs that can assist countries in implementing activities to achieve countries nuclear development consistent with the IAEA's milestones document or roadmap.
Q:
What does the NCI do?
A:
The NCI Team manages incoming requests for assistance from countries via this web portal and through direct bilateral engagement, working with the appropriate U.S. government agencies, as well as national laboratories, academic institutions, and private companies to address requests. The NCI Team works proactively with countries to facilitate and coordinate enhanced U.S. bilateral and multilateral nuclear development activities.
Q:
What does the NCI not do?
A:
The NCI does not support activities outside of civil nuclear energy. It focusses exclusively on the export and sale of U.S. origin commercial nuclear technology.
Q:
What U.S. government agencies make up the NCI?
A:
The U.S. Government departments and agencies that comprise the NCI are the White House, the Departments of Energy, State, and Commerce, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Trade Development Agency, the Export-Import Bank, and the International Development Finance Corporation.
Q:
How do I contact the NCI Team?
A:
The core points of contact consist of individuals from the US Government's Office of Nuclear Energy within the Department of Energy.
Q:
Why has the U.S. Government decided to establish the NCI?
A:
The NCI was established to assistant countries developing and expanding their nuclear energy programs with strategic and coordinated civilian nuclear capabilities.
Q:
How can the NCI help a country's progress through the IAEA Milestones Approach?
A:
The NCI works with countries at their own pace to address the unique circumstances specific to each countries' needs.
Q:
What kind of activities can the NCI help me accomplish?
A:
The NCI can assist in obtaining US support in all subject areas of the IAEA milestone process and through each phase of a countries development and acquisition of nuclear energy resources including, as examples; energy planning, regulatory, human resource development, safety, security, industrial and public engagement.
Q:
Is the NCI a single point of contact in working with the U.S. industry for agreeing on a nuclear power deal?
A:
While the NCI cannot make decisions on projects and contracts for the U.S. industry, the NCI does act as a single point of contact in coordinating engagement with U.S. industry.
Q:
How comprehensive is the NCI's assistance?
A:
Countries should expect one-on-one engagement on developing a framework of assistance that compliments and enhances the work the country is conducting with the IAEA.
Q:
As a representative of my country's government, my country wants to develop a nuclear power program. How do I get started working with the NCI?
A:
You can start working with the NCI by submitting a request within the NCI's web portal by clicking on "Contact us", or you can call the NCI lead directly, Michelle Scott at 202-586-9719 or email: [email protected].
Q:
My country already has a nuclear power program. How can the NCI help me?
A:
The NCI provides a comprehensive suite of U.S. Government, industry, and academic program capabilities, it can help coordinate activities that an existing nuclear power program requires. With the United States civil nuclear power program began in 1946 and the development of the first electricity producing reactor in 1951, the United States has a depth of practical know-how with the nuclear reactor's lifecycle. The NCI can utilize these resources to address needs of expanding nuclear power programs such as life-extension, decontamination and decommissioning, spent fuel storage, improving operation efficiency, and enhanced stakeholder engagement.
Contact Us
Contact the NCI for more information or general inquiry on how the United States can assist.