The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, or GNEP, is an initiative that offers a responsible framework for both international and domestic use of nuclear power to reduce the risks associated with nuclear proliferation and the impacts associated with waste disposal. GNEP responds to renewed and growing worldwide interest to utilize nuclear energy as a source of low-carbon, baseload electricity to support the growing demand for energy. The global growth of nuclear power is well underway, as illustrated by the rapid pace of nuclear plant construction in India, Russia and China.
GNEP was formulated to address issues related to:
- Growing energy demand
- Nuclear nonproliferation across the globe
- Integrated management of used nuclear fuel
Global and Domestic Partnerships
Understanding that the clean, safe, secure expansion of nuclear power is a global challenge requiring global cooperation is central to the GNEP vision. Internationally, GNEP comprises a partnership of countries with a common vision: to expand nuclear energy safely and peacefully. To accomplish this, the United States and its GNEP partners are working toward establishing international structures intended to prevent the uncontrolled spread of nuclear technologies and materials.
Cooperation is also essential to the technology development component of the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI). AFCI research and collaboration focuses on options for changing the U.S. fuel cycle to reduce the High Level Waste (HLW) radiotoxicity (pdf), volume and heat associated with used nuclear fuel and supports the greater international GNEP vision. By creating partnerships with industry, national laboratories, universities and other stakeholders, the AFCI leverages expertise at all levels to develop required technologies and infrastructures. The transition to any alternative fuel cycle would take many years to complete, but the AFCI program will continue building the framework for the domestic commercial nuclear power systems of the future and supporting the international cooperation of the GNEP vision.
Learn more about the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership
http://www.gneppartnership.org
Nuclear and Other Energy Information
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