Since its inception, nuclear energy has become an important component of the global energy sector, providing significant opportunities to produce electricity with minimal carbon dioxide emissions. Contemporary challenges such as climate change and the need to provide energy to a growing global population underscore the importance of international cooperation in the field of nuclear energy.

The Russian Federation (Russia) and the United States of America (USA)  are the two leading powers in the field of nuclear technology. Both countries have extensive knowledge and experience in reactor design, radioactive material management and nuclear plant safety.

The beginning of nuclear energy cooperation between the USA and the Soviet Union, of which the Russian Federation is the legal successor, has its origins in the context of the Cold War. This period was characterized by intense rivalry between the two superpowers in various fields, from military power to scientific achievements. However, even amid political tensions, there were moments of interaction and exchange of knowledge in the field of nuclear energy. After the end of World War II, both countries began to actively develop their programs to create atomic weapons. In 1945, the United States became the first country to use atomic weapons against Japan. The Soviet Union responded to this development by successfully testing its first atomic bomb in 1949. This marked the beginning of an arms race between the two powers. However, already in the early 1950s it became obvious that the uncontrolled spread of nuclear technology posed a serious threat to global security. In this regard, the need arose to establish international mechanisms for control over the use of radioactive materials and to develop peaceful programs for the use of atomic energy [1].

An important milestone was the initiative of US President Dwight Eisenhower “Atoms for Peace”. The plan proposed that the “principally concerned governments” make «joint contributions from their stockpiles of conventional uranium and fissile materials to the International Atomic Energy Agency,» which would be “responsible for receiving, storing and protecting fissile and other materials placed at its disposal.”

The plan was aimed at ensuring the leading role of the United States and American business in the development of the international nuclear market. Its positive aspect was the projected establishment of certain international norms to limit nuclear proliferation in the context of the then beginning development of nuclear energy in a number of countries around the world. The USSR responded positively to the American initiative, and as a result, in 1954, both powers began negotiations on the formation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which culminated in its creation in 1957. During the negotiations, the USA, USSR and Great Britain expressed their readiness to allocate International Nuclear Materials Fund certain quantities of fissile materials. In practice, only small quantities of fissile material were supplied to recipient countries [2].

One of the first significant steps towards joint control over the proliferation of nuclear weapons was the signing of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1963. This treaty banned all types of atmospheric, space and underwater testing of nuclear weapons; however, it allowed underground testing provided that there were no releases of radionuclides beyond the national borders of the testing state [3].

After the signing of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. In February 1993, Russia and the United States signed an agreement to dispose of highly enriched uranium (HEU) extracted from Russian nuclear weapons. Under the terms of the deal, Russia pledged to burn 500 tons of highly enriched uranium over 20 years.

In January 1994, Russia’s Techsnab-Export (Tenex) and the United States Uranium Enrichment Corporation (USEC), state-owned companies authorized by their respective governments to implement the deal, signed a contract. In the US case, this meant that USEC was the supplier of enriched uranium to private utilities. Estimates at the time put the cost of the entire program at around $12 billion [4].

Today, both countries have significant scientific knowledge, technology and experience in operating nuclear facilities, which makes them important partners in many international projects. Joint efforts are aimed at addressing critical issues such as nuclear non-proliferation, safe management of radioactive waste and the development of new technologies for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Current joint projects are being developed, such as:

1. Development of general approaches to the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and rehabilitation of the corresponding territories.
2. Development of the experience accumulated by Russia and the United States in the field of waste processing and disposal of nuclear materials. Both countries have extensive experience in waste processing and nuclear materials disposal. By working together, our countries could overcome some of the key technical challenges in this area.
3. Research and development of environmental rehabilitation technologies. Cooperation is needed between Russian and American experts in the field of innovative technologies for environmental rehabilitation in areas such as: a) decontamination of uranium mining and processing facilities, as well as disposal sites for radioactive sources; b) methods of accelerated decontamination; c) converting radioactive scrap metal and components of decommissioned reactors into waste; d) use of robotic equipment for cutting into pieces and cutting material; e) local application of waste separation technology to reduce the cost and time of disposal.
4. Development of improved approaches to remediation of contaminated soils and groundwater. Russia and the United States face similar problems in the field of remediation of contaminated soils and groundwater. Cooperation projects in this area could focus on issues such as: a) clarifying the characteristics of specific objects/territories and modeling their pollution; b) assessment and modeling of technology effectiveness; c) advanced modeling to predict the behavior and movement of pollutants; d) monitoring, providing access, control and implementation of rehabilitation work in the deep vadose zone; e) in-depth study of biogeochemical gradients and permeable reactive barriers; f) stimulation of natural attenuation of radioactivity and development of enhanced rehabilitation technologies; g) ensuring long-term monitoring and data management.
5. Promoting the decommissioning of nuclear facilities in Central Asia and other CIS countries. Russia and the United States should create a mechanism for dialogue with Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on issues of decommissioning nuclear energy facilities, incl. research reactors for which the specified countries have made appropriate decisions in connection with the development of their design service life.
6. Assistance in the rehabilitation of former uranium production facilities (tailings) in the countries of Central Asia. As a result of large-scale industrial uranium mining and processing during the Soviet period, Central Asian states inherited large volumes of radioactive waste in tailings ponds. Russia and the United States could take the initiative to create a permanent advisory body with the Central Asian republics to help these countries deal with this problem.
7. Development of technologies for processing liquid waste. US Department of Energy facilities store 333 thousand cubic meters of liquid waste in underground tanks; There are also about 4 thousand cubic meters of solid waste obtained from liquid waste.
8. Assessment of options for solving the problem of radioactive substances sunk off the coast of Russia and the USA. A number of countries have in the past practiced ocean dumping of radioactive waste. Russia and the United States should create a working group to exchange experience and jointly assess risks in this area, as well as study the feasibility of using various options for solving this problem: raising submerged waste from the ocean floor, transferring it to a safe state at the dump site, or maintaining it in its current form (intact) in flooded areas
9. Exchange of best practices in environmental rehabilitation project management. Russia and the United States face similar fiscal, regulatory and technological challenges, incl. limited budget funds allocated to overcome accumulated environmental problems, coupled with high competition for allocated funds, as well as uncertainty in the cost and timing of large projects. In this regard, both countries should ensure that such projects use proven methods for assessing progress, as well as monitoring costs and schedule compliance, to provide a solid basis for the implementation of innovative approaches [5].

Thus, cooperation between Russia and the USA in the field of nuclear energy represents an important element of global security and sustainable development. Despite political differences and occasional tensions, both countries continue to work together to address key challenges in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In the face of growing challenges to the global energy infrastructure, it is important to continue to strengthen cooperation between the two leading powers. Overcoming current difficulties through dialogue and joint work will create a solid foundation for further progress in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Ultimately, this will benefit not only the two participating countries, but the entire global community.