Financing Institutions

Export-Import Bank of the United States

The Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) assists in financing the export of U.S goods and services to international markets. Specifically, it provides export financing for products that fill gaps in trade financing and assumes credit and country risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept. The Ex-Im Bank provides capital guarantees, export credit insurance, loan guarantees, and direct loans without regard to the size of the transaction, sector, country, or project.

The Ex-Im Bank has financed nuclear fuel installations, reloads, and other nuclear sector projects. Because of its capital intensity, the Ex-Im Bank has several special terms for nuclear projects including long repayment terms (up to 18 years) with level payments and interest during construction may be capitalized. Ex-Im Bank funded projects are expected to consider environmental impacts of the project and must adhere to special Nuclear Procedures and Guidelines. In the past, the Ex-Im Bank has supported nuclear sector projects in Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, China, Russia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Romania.

For information on how to apply for Ex-Im Bank funds.

Overseas Private Investment Corporation

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) supports U.S. investment in emerging markets worldwide, fostering development, and the growth of free markets. It delivers financing innovations that help U.S businesses successfully enter, grow, and compete in emerging markets. OPIC’s three principal products are financing (medium- to long-term funding through direct loans and loan guaranties), political risk insurance (for U.S. investors, contractors, exporters, and financial institutions), and support for private equity investment funds.

To see if your business or project qualifies for OPIC support, visit here. However, currently OPIC does not support civil nuclear projects.

World Bank

The World Bank is an international financial institution that promotes foreign investment, international trade, and facilitates capital investment. The World Bank is not a “bank” in the literal sense, but rather two institutions combined under the same mission: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). There another three institutions under World Bank authority (that make up the World Bank Group): the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

The United States is the largest shareholder of the World Bank. Currently the World Bank and the World Bank Group do not finance nuclear power projects.