WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dennis Spurgeon today released the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) Strategic Plan, which details the Initiative’s purpose, principles and implementation strategy.  The Plan outlines a path forward to enable worldwide increase in the use of safe, emissions-free nuclear energy without contributing to the spread of nuclear weapons capabilities in a manner that responsibly addresses the waste produced.

“For the United States, GNEP is good policy; for industry, it could be very good business,” Assistant Secretary Spurgeon said.  “Releasing GNEP’s Strategic Plan demonstrates the seriousness DOE places on this Initiative as well as the seriousness of our nation’s need to incorporate safe, emissions-free nuclear power into our nation’s energy mix.  While DOE labs and research facilities host some of the best scientists, the GNEP Strategic Plan gives researchers, experts and industry the opportunity to examine and understand our vision.”

The Strategic Plan is a guiding document, one that can be modified if the U.S. Government, our international partners and industry deem it appropriate.  It lays out DOE’s plan to prepare for construction and operation of a nuclear fuel recycling center and an advanced recycling reactor, and for continuing an aggressive research and development program focused on advanced fuel cycle technology.  The Plan also specifies criteria necessary to consider in order to safely and successfully implement the goals of GNEP.

The Strategic Plan provides a framework for the U.S. to:

1. Expand nuclear power to meet growing energy demand;
2. Develop, demonstrate, and deploy advanced technologies for recycling spent nuclear fuel without separating plutonium;
3. Develop, demonstrate, and deploy advance reactors that consume transuranics;
4. Establish reliable fuel services worldwide;
5. Develop, demonstrate, and deploy proliferation resistant reactors appropriate to power grids and;
6. Develop enhanced safeguards to ensure nuclear energy systems are used for peaceful purposes. 

This Plan identifies the technology, economic and environmental information necessary to present a convincing case to the Secretary of Energy for his decision on a path forward regarding the design and construction of recycling facilities in support of GNEP.

GNEP is a part of President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative, which seeks to reduce our reliance in imported oil by changing the way we power our cars, homes and business.  For more information on GNEP, visit: http://www.gnep.gov/.

GNEP Strategic Plan  Jan 2007

Media contact(s):
Craig Stevens, (202) 586-4940