NEI supports Sens. Corker, Cardin bill to renew U.S.-Norway 123 agreement
The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) urged Congress to renew a nuclear energy cooperation agreement between the United States and Norway in response to legislation that was recently introduced by U.S. Sens. Bob Corker (R-TN) and Ben Cardin (D-MD).
The previous bilateral agreement between the United States and Norway expired in 2014, and renewing it would allow the U.S. to have access to a nuclear test reactor that performs tests that are critical to nuclear power plant safety and reliability.
“Research and testing conducted at this unique facility enables U.S. firms to continue to innovate and maintain technology leadership as they compete in the global nuclear energy market. Without the agreement in force with this important NATO ally, this research and testing cannot occur,” said Daniel Lipman, NEI vice president of Suppliers and International Programs.
Before companies in the United States can engage in civilian nuclear commerce with other nations, a Section 123 agreement must be established. These framework agreements, named after Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, set strict nonproliferation requirements nuclear exporters must adhere to.
Although Norway does not intend to operate a commercial nuclear plant, its 20-megawatt Halden test reactor is supported by 19 countries and partially financed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The United States helped build the facility in 1958, but accessing Halden is not possible unless a Section 123 agreement needs to be in force.
