WASHINGTON, DC –The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) today announced the Republic of Senegal as its newest partner, bringing the total number of GNEP member countries to 20.  Launched in 2006, GNEP consists of nations at every stage of nuclear power development to help meet growing energy demand globally in a safe and secure manner, while at the same time reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation and responsibly managing spent nuclear fuel.  Senegal’s Ambassador to Germany, Austria, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Cheikh Sylla, signed the GNEP Statement of Principles today at a ceremony presided over by U.S. Ambassador Greg Schulte, the Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations.

“We welcome the Republic of Senegal as GNEP’s newest partner and 20th member.  Senegal is currently considering nuclear power as a way to meet their growing energy demands and they recognize GNEP as a valuable forum in which to explore the benefits of safe and emissions-free nuclear energy,” Dennis Spurgeon, U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy said.  “GNEP is made up of countries with a wide range of experience related to nuclear power and this diversity strengthens the partnership, assuring that the common goal of safely expanding the use of nuclear energy worldwide moves forward.”

GNEP welcomed Italy, Canada and the Republic of Korea as new partners.  At the second GNEP Ministerial meeting in September 2007, GNEP tripled in size when the original GNEP partners – China, France, Japan, Russia and the United States – signed the GNEP Statement of Principles along with Australia, Bulgaria, Ghana, Hungary, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, and Ukraine.  In December 2007, GNEP partners held a Steering Group meeting in Vienna, Austria where the partners adopted an Action Plan outlining initial priorities, mechanisms for executing cooperative efforts, and initial milestones for cooperative activities.

GNEP, first announced by President Bush in February 2006, includes key research and technology development programs as well as international policy collaboration.  In this capacity, GNEP serves as an integral part of the Bush Administration’s Advanced Energy Initiative, which aims to change the way we power our homes and businesses by utilizing clean energy options, such as nuclear power, clean coal, renewable energy and other resources, to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and increase energy and national security.

Read further information about the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership and the Statement of Principles on the GNEP website.

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Angela Hill, (202) 586-4940