I-NERI Bilateral Collaborations

United States and Japan Agree on Joint Nuclear Energy Research Project

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) and Japan's Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE ) signed the Implementing Arrangement concerning cooperation in the joint nuclear energy research initiative (I-NERI) on May 26, 2004.

The arrangement increases nuclear cooperation by allowing for research on the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology's (NE) new initiatives, specifically focusing on innovative light water technologies; innovative processing technologies of oxide fuel for light water reactors; and innovative fuel technologies using solvent extraction and other areas as both sides may agree to in writing.

A project Annex under the IA was finalized and signed between DOE's NE and ANRE allowing for R&D nuclear cooperation in specific projects mutually agreed by both sides on June 10, 2004.

On November 24, 2004, both sides agreed to collaborate on their first project titled " Development of Materials for Supercritical-Water-Cooled Reactor (SCWR)".

Both Japan and the United States (US) have a shared interest in the development of advanced reactor systems that employ supercritical water as a coolant. The goal of this project is to establish candidate materials for supercritical water reactor (SCWR) designs and to evaluate the mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and corrosion resistance. This project supports the Generation IV reactors design goals of enhanced safety and reliability, sustainability and economics.

Japan is a Charter Member of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF), a group of eleven members (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, France, Japan, Republic of Korea, Republic of South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States) organized to conduct collaborative nuclear technology R&D. GIF activities support the recommendations in the National Energy Policy to pursue research that will develop next-generation nuclear energy technologies and to collaborate with international partners with highly developed fuel cycles and a record of close cooperation.

Information regarding the I-NERI awards will be posted on the I-NERI web site which can be reached via www.nuclear.gov.

Last Updated: 12/21/04