Program Overview

Concerns over energy resource availability, climate change, air quality, and energy security suggest an important role for nuclear power in future energy supplies. While the current Generation II and III nuclear power plant designs provide a secure and low-cost electricity supply in many markets, further advances in nuclear energy system design can broaden the opportunities for the use of nuclear energy. To explore these opportunities, the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy has engaged governments, industry, and the research community worldwide in a wide ranging discussion on the development of next generation nuclear energy systems known as "Generation IV."

The goal of the Gen IV Nuclear Energy Systems is to address the fundamental research and development (R&D) issues necessary to establish the viability of next-generation nuclear energy system concepts to meet tomorrow's needs for clean and reliable electricity, and non-traditional applications of nuclear energy. Successfully addressing the fundamental R&D issues will allow Gen IV concepts that excel in safety, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and proliferation risk reduction to be considered for future commercial development and deployment by the private sector.

Gen IV reactor concepts are being developed to use advanced fuels, fashioned from recycled reactor fuel and capable of high-burnups. The corresponding fuel cycle strategies allow for efficient utilization of domestic uranium resources while minimizing waste. Reduction of proliferation risk and improvements in physical protection are being designed into Gen IV concepts to help thwart those who would target nuclear power plants for terrorist acts or use them improperly to develop materials for nuclear weapons. Gen IV concepts will feature advances in safety and reliability to improve public confidence in nuclear energy while providing enhanced investment protection for plant owners. Competitive life-cycle costs and acceptable financial risk are being factored into Gen IV concepts with high-efficiency electricity generation systems, modular construction, and shortened development schedules before plant startup.

The Generation IV International Forum Response to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident is available here.