WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman will travel to Vienna, Austria and Paris, France next week to attend the 52nd annual International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference and the third annual Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) Ministerial Meeting.  During the IAEA conference, Secretary Bodman and his counterparts will discuss the expansion of nuclear power for peaceful purposes and the prevention of nuclear proliferation.  At the GNEP meeting, ministerial-level officials from GNEP partner countries and observing nations will convene to review the progress of the Partnership and discuss future steps.

On Monday, Secretary Bodman will deliver remarks on the opening day of the IAEA General Conference to highlight efforts to address challenges to the peaceful expansion of nuclear power, including cost, spent fuel management and proliferation.  He will also encourage increased international investment in the development of nuclear infrastructure, technology and safeguards.  Additionally, Secretary Bodman will participate in a news conference launching the World Institute for Nuclear Security, a new international organization to strengthen the physical protection and security of nuclear materials and facilities worldwide.

“We must pursue new reactor technologies and reliable fuel services that reduce proliferation risks, avoid the spread of sensitive nuclear fuel cycle capabilities and allow nations around the world access to large-scale electricity generation that avoids greenhouse gas emissions,” said Secretary Bodman.  “In partnership with the IAEA and other cooperative programs, we can help peacefully expand the use of civilian nuclear energy around the world.”

During Wednesday’s GNEP meeting, Secretary Bodman will reiterate the strong commitment of the U.S. to ensuring that the global expansion of civilian nuclear power is done safely and securely, while reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation and responsibly managing waste.  He is also expected to highlight the Department’s domestic efforts to offer federal risk insurance, provide loan guarantees for nuclear energy projects and create a national geological repository for spent nuclear fuel.

“To meet our world’s growing demand for energy, we must expand nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in a manner that benefits our economies and our environment while also improving our security,” Secretary Bodman said.  “By focusing on proper infrastructure development and working to establish comprehensive fuel supply and service arrangements, the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership member countries have made tremendous strides toward our collective goal to expand civilian nuclear power in a safe and responsible manner.”

The world’s central forum of cooperation in the nuclear field, the IAEA works with its Member States and international partners to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies.  The U.S. contributes roughly 25 percent of the IAEA’s regular annual budget.  In addition to direct budgetary support, DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) provides assistance in the form of financial and in-kind contributions to the IAEA and its Member States in support of the IAEA mandate, totaling approximately $18.7 million in fiscal year 2007.  NNSA’s support of the IAEA mission contributes to U.S. efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and combat nuclear terrorism.

GNEP is a partnership of 21 nations joined in an effort to collectively address the challenges confronting countries that are maintaining, expanding or starting nuclear power programs.  This year’s annual GNEP Ministerial Meeting will be chaired by France’s Minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Spatial Planning Jean Louis Borloo.  GNEP was announced by President George W. Bush in February 2006, and includes key domestic nuclear research and technology development programs and international policy collaboration.  Read more information about the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.

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