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The Department of Energy (DOE) today released a joint statement that was issued by representatives of governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States that says the governments agree to pursue Generation IV nuclear power systems as a potential next generation energy option for the future.

Generation IV nuclear power systems represent economically competitive, advanced nuclear reactor technology to be deployed in the next 20 years, when demand for electricity worldwide is expected to increase dramatically.

"As we face increasing electricity demand worldwide and increasing concern about atmospheric emissions, nuclear energy may be an important option within a broad energy portfolio for industrialized and developing nations. I am encouraged by the consensus reached by these diverse nations to collectively consider and pursue next generation technologies that are more proliferation-resistant, safe and economical," said Under Secretary of Energy Ernest J. Moniz. "Hopefully an international R&D effort will evolve from further discussion."

In the statement available on DOE's Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology website, http://www.ne.doe.gov, the participating countries recognize the important role that nuclear energy serves in meeting today's and tomorrow's demand for electricity and contributing to a cleaner environment. The representatives agreed to begin investigation of Generation IV nuclear power systems as an option for the long-term future. An expert group was chartered to develop specific recommendations on the future direction of multilateral cooperation.

This joint statement was issued following a workshop held in Crystal City, Virginia on January 27-28, 2000, where government officials discussed the attributes of next generation nuclear reactor technology. In addition to the attending countries, observers at the conference included officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, the U. S. Department of State, American Nuclear Society and DOE's Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee.

- DOE -

R-00-034