Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chair of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), has announced the recent approval of a resolution by the EXIM Board of Directors.
The resolution focuses on funding applications for the export of U.S. small modular reactor (SMR) systems and components. This significant announcement was highlighted in a White House fact sheet and showcased at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
The resolution, coupled with an accompanying Toolkit document, outlines how EXIM’s distinctive financing tools can play a crucial role in supporting the export of U.S. SMR designs, providing substantial and flexible financing essential for their successful implementation.
Chair Lewis emphasized, “The potential of nuclear energy to address both decarbonization and the growing demand for electricity is clearer than ever before. I am proud that EXIM’s Board of Directors took this important step to emphasize EXIM’s deep commitment that EXIM remains ready and willing to fund creditworthy applications for U.S. SMR exports, which will drive the global energy transition.”
The announcement event featured the participation of Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security; David Livingston; Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Energy for Ghana; Frederic Beauregard Tellier, Director General for Nuclear Energy at Natural Resources Canada; and Melanie Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft. The event aimed to promote the global deployment of new nuclear energy technologies.
The EXIM Board resolution responds to substantial global interest in deploying U.S. SMR nuclear energy systems to support critical climate and energy security goals. It signifies EXIM’s willingness to approve qualified applications without necessitating new policy changes by the agency.
Additionally, the resolution aims to introduce a variety of new and flexible financing tools, including support for pre-export payments, capitalized interest, 22-year tenors, and more. This initiative provides clarity for potential borrowers and other project parties.
The EXIM Small Modular Reactor Financing Toolkit is available here
ABOUT EXIM:
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports.
To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing, including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Learn more at
