VEINNA, AUSTRIA – Twenty-eight nations interested in exploring the possibility of introducing nuclear power into their future energy mix participated in “Issues for the Introduction of Nuclear Power,” a workshop sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).  The workshop outlined the needed infrastructure to support nuclear energy.  As part of the tutorial, Dr. Paul Lisowski, Deputy Program Manager of the DOE Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) spoke of the benefits that GNEP could bring to the global community.

“This workshop has helped state representatives to understand the framework necessary to introduce nuclear power to their grids,” Dr. Lisowski said. “A major goal is to enable countries to gain the benefits of the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear power, facilitate the development of the necessary infrastructure, and minimize the costs.”

Dr. Lisowski also spoke about the expectations of countries interested in incorporating nuclear energy into their energy mix. “The United States will expect any country interested in adding nuclear power to its energy mix to ensure adequate preparations are undertaken in advance of implementing such new programs,” Dr. Lisowski said.

As a co-sponsor, DOE provided funding to the IAEA, along with other countries, to support this workshop.  The workshop was held December 4-6, 2006, in Vienna, Austria.

Along with representatives from countries without nuclear power, participants of the conference included representatives from supplier countries, and representatives of countries interested in the future applications of nuclear power.

Additional information on this conference may be found on the IAEA web site and the GNEP website at: www.iaea.org, http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Meetings/Announcements.asp?ConfID=32785, and at http://www.gnep.gov/.

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