The United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are longstanding civil nuclear partners. Although nuclear power is a key component of each country’s electricity generation, the nuclear energy industries in both countries are struggling. The new Atlantic Council report, Advancing US-ROK Cooperation on Nuclear Energy, by Stephen S. Greene, examines how both countries can work together to revitalize the nuclear energy industry in each country. A robust domestic nuclear industry and civil nuclear export program are each crucial elements of the fight against climate change and in international diplomacy. This new report argues that research and development, bilateral trade, and the sale of nuclear energy technologies to third countries represent opportunities for bilateral cooperation that will strengthen each country’s nuclear energy industry.

Meet the author

Fellow

Stephen S. Greene

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment

Read more about international nuclear cooperation

Report May 26, 2020

European energy security and the critical role of transatlantic energy cooperation

By Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Jennifer T. Gordon

Transatlantic cooperation is essential to European energy security, which is and should remain a key national security priority for the United States. European energy security is crucial for the maintenance of a strong European economy and for European political stability, both of which are in the best interests of the United States. This report recommends that the United States and the EU focus their energy cooperation in several areas that will benefit the EU’s efforts to meet climate targets and that, at the same time, will also bolster energy security.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Report Mar 6, 2020

A new energy strategy for the Western Hemisphere

By David L. Goldwyn

The Western Hemisphere is full of potential and we have the opportunity to galvanize it into an energy powerhouse. This new US energy strategy for the Western Hemisphere will help raise the global competitiveness of the hemisphere, advance its shared prosperity, and improve national and energy security as a result.

Americas Climate Change & Climate Action

Issue Brief Jan 9, 2020

International co-financing of nuclear reactors between the United States and its allies

By Jennifer T. Gordon

As Russia and China seek out third-party countries with demand for nuclear energy, can the United States and its allies determine how to cooperate on co-financing agreements and become greater than the sum of their parts?

Geopolitics & Energy Security Nuclear Energy

Learn more about our nuclear energy work

Nuclear Energy

Globally, increasing demand for low-carbon electricity sources and diverse generation portfolios have made nuclear energy an attractive and reliable baseload power source. Amidst a declining US nuclear industry, new nuclear energy stakeholders, including China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are pursuing robust nuclear energy programs to improve energy security, meet environmental goals, and demonstrate international leadership. New nuclear technologies promise to transform the energy landscape, but require regulatory updates and global cooperation to reach their potential.

Image: The Shin Kori Number 4 reactor of state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is seen in Ulsan, South Korea. Picture taken September 3, 2013. REUTERS/Lee Jae-Won