International Collaboration
TRISO coated particle fuel
International, cost-shared R&D enhances the Department’s ability to leverage its limited research funding with nuclear technology research funding from other countries, while also providing the U.S. greater credibility and influence on international activities associated with the application of nuclear technologies.
The Department conducts its international collaborations through three specific pathways: 1) International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (I-NERI), which engages the international community through bilateral agreements, 2) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through Technical Working Groups and coordinated Research Projects, and 3) through the Generation IV International Forum (GIF). While bilateral collaborations still take place, more and more international collaborations are conducted under the auspices of the Generation IV International Forum.
With the establishment of the International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (I-NERI) in FY 2001, the Department is engaging the international community through existing and new bilateral agreements. I-NERI collaborations enhance the Department's ability to leverage limited research funding with nuclear technology research from other countries. Currently, the Department is working with four countries: Canada, France, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, and the international organization the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM). Negotiations to establish a new bilateral agreement are underway with theRepublic of South Africa. The Fuel Cycle Research and Development Program also utilizes bilateral agreements in its international research collaborations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the world’s center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world’s "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies. Gen IV interacts with the IAEA through their Technical Working Groups and coordinated Research Projects on High Temperature Gas Reactors (HTGRs). The international exchange of information and co-ordination of HTGR research through the IAEA has helped to establish the foundation for the future development and deployment of HTGR technology. IAEA activities on high temperature gas cooled reactors are conducted with the review and support of Member States, primarily through the International Working Group on Gas Cooled Reactors (IWGGCR). The IWGGCR is a working group within the framework of the IAEA with the purpose of advising the Director General of the IAEA and promoting the exchange of technical information in the field of gas cooled reactors. The IWGGCR meets approximately every 18 months to exchange information regarding ongoing and planned activities related to gas cooled reactor technology in participant countries. Research efforts supported by the agency are normally carried out within the framework of Co-ordinated Research Projects (CRPs). Completed CRPs include: Validation of Safety Related Physics Calculations for Low Enriched HTGRs, Validation of Predictive Methods for Fuel and Fission Product Behavior in Gas, Heat Transport, and Afterheat Removal for Gas-Cooled Reactors Under Accident Conditions. Gen IV is currently engaged in the CRP on the Conservation and Application of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGR) Technology and Advances in HTGR Fuel Technology Development.
Gen IV is also an active participant in the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles (INPRO). INPRO was established in 2001 in response to a resolution by the IAEA General Conference to help to ensure that nuclear energy is available to contribute, in a sustainable manner, to meeting the energy needs of the 21st century and to bring together technology holders and users so that they can consider jointly the international and national actions required for achieving desired innovations in nuclear reactors and fuel cycles. INPRO provides a forum for discussion for experts and policy makers from industrialized and developing countries on all aspects of nuclear energy planning as well as on the development and deployment of innovative nuclear energy systems in the 21st century.
The Generation IV International Forum (GIF) was chartered in May 2001, to lead the collaborative efforts of the world's leading nuclear technology nations to develop the next generation of nuclear energy systems. The initial efforts of GIF resulted in the identification of the six most promising reactor concepts to be investigated by this international research community and are documented in the Generation IV Technology Roadmap. Thirteen members have signed the GIF Charter: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, People’s Republic of China, Euratom, France, Japan, Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Republic of South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. This unique international effort reached a major milestone on February 28, 2005, as five of the Forum's member countries (Canada, France, Japan, United Kingdom, and United States) signed the world's first multi-lateral agreement aimed at the international development of advanced nuclear energy systems – the Framework Agreement for International Collaboration on Research and Development of Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems. Subsequent signatories to the Framework Agreement included People’s Republic of China, Euratom, Republic of Korea, Republic of South Africa, and Switzerland. The United Kingdom is a signatory of the Framework but is currently a non-active member. Argentina and Brazil have not ratified the Framework Agreement and are therefore considered non-active. The Russian Federation is working on the necessary approvals for its accession to the Framework.
Map of Member Countries
As detailed in its Charter and subsequent GIF Policy Statements, GIF is led by the Policy Group (PG), which is responsible for the overall coordination of GIF's research and development (R"D) collaboration, policy formation and for interactions with other organizations. The Policy Group is currently chaired by France with vice chairs from the U.S. and Japan. An Experts Group and the Senior Industry Advisory Panel advises the Policy Group on (R"D) strategy, priorities, and methodology and on evaluating research plans for each Generation IV System. The Framework Agreement establishes two levels of implementing arrangements in order to conduct the joint (R"D). The first level consists of a System Arrangement for each Generation IV reactor concept directed by a System Steering Committee (SSC). Under each SSC, Project Arrangements are established with Project Management Boards to manage and implement the joint (R"D).
The Generation IV International Forum Response to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident is available here.
