Emerging nuclear vendors in the newcomer export market: Strategic considerations

Abstract

The article focuses on the rise of state-supported nuclear reactor vendors in Russia, China, and to a lesser extent, South Korea, in the nuclear export market and its implication for developing country newcomers. It tackles the phenomenon in three parts. First, the article provides a historical overview, highlighting key milestones that have contributed towards the rise of these 'emerging' nuclear reactor vendors and the burgeoning interest of newcomer developing countries. Next, the article identifies the main reasons newcomers appear to be drawn to emerging vendors instead of their more familiar Western counterparts. The article ends by highlighting several strategic considerations for newcomers as concerns emerging vendors in the key areas of nuclear energy governance, nuclear technology development, industrial capacity and national security.