VIENNA — Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on Sept. 14 delivered the United States’ formal national statement at the International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference. Wright addressed representatives of 178 member nations, outlining the administration’s nuclear energy and nonproliferation priorities for the coming year.
The IAEA General Conference is the annual plenary gathering of the global nuclear governance body. The U.S. national statement serves as the government’s official articulation of its positions on civilian nuclear development, export controls and international nonproliferation policy.
Wright’s appearance follows a pattern of active U.S. nuclear engagement, including the Department of Energy’s recent $1.9 billion loan to support the restart of the Duane Arnold nuclear plant. The administration has positioned nuclear energy as central to its strategy for expanding domestic electricity generation and meeting growing power demand from data centers and industrial growth.
The Vienna statement reflects the Trump administration’s pro-nuclear energy posture, which has included streamlining regulatory approvals for new reactor designs and supporting the extension of operating licenses for existing nuclear plants.
Nuclear energy is experiencing a worldwide resurgence as countries seek reliable, low-carbon electricity sources. The U.S. national statement at the IAEA conference positions Washington to shape international nuclear governance at a moment when dozens of nations are exploring new nuclear power programs.
For American energy consumers, the administration’s nuclear push could affect long-term electricity costs, energy reliability and the domestic supply chain for nuclear fuel and reactor components.