Trade delegation of nuclear executives visit Mexico City

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico
City recently led a trade delegation of nuclear executives to Mexico to discuss opportunities related to Mexico’s plans to build more nuclear reactors.

The delegation was led by GE Hitachi Senior Vice President of Sales and Commercial Operations David Sledzik and included 22 U.S. executives as well as officials from the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Energy and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.

“The purpose was to enable delegates to assess market opportunities in the country, to develop local contacts and to visit the operating plants at Laguna Verde,” NEI Director of Supplier Programs Ted Jones said.

The mission began with a briefing by U.S. Embassy officials in Mexico City. Mexico Energy Secretary
Pedro Joaquín Coldwell than hosted a seminar for the delegation who also met with senior Mexican nuclear and electricity regulatory officials.

Mexico currently has just two nuclear reactors, which have been in operation since 1990. The country plans to build two or three more reactors by 2020.

Mexico and the United States negotiated a bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement, also known as a Section 123 agreement. The deal would replace the trilateral project and supply agreement the two nations have with the International Atomic Energy Agency and streamline the transfer of U.S. technology, fuel and other major nuclear components to Mexico.

The Trump Administration is anticipated to submit the finalized agreement to Congress during the third quarter of this year. It could become effective by early 2018.

“The new agreement will provide a stronger foundation for U.S.-Mexico nuclear trade and will enable U.S. suppliers to participate fully in Mexico’s nuclear expansion plans,” Jones said. “The bilateral nuclear trade agreement is vital to support U.S. competitiveness.”

France, China, and Russia all have sent nuclear trade missions to Mexico recently.