WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, May 21, 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host a ministerial meeting in Washington, DC, to discuss international cooperation for a Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP).  This ministerial serves to bring together some of the leading nuclear fuel cycle states to discuss GNEP and its path forward toward increasing the use of safe, reliable and affordable nuclear power worldwide.  China, France, Japan, Russia, and the United Kingdom have been invited to participate in this initial meeting.  The International Atomic Energy Agency has also been invited to participate.

"Not only can nuclear energy help meet world demand for electricity, but GNEP can help meet that demand in a way that maximizes the benefit of nuclear power while minimizing the risk of nuclear proliferation,” Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman said.  “This ministerial demonstrates our intentions to work with others to create a true international partnership to expand the use of safe, clean and affordable nuclear power, as well as the Bush Administration’s commitment to GNEP."

As part of President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative, GNEP seeks to develop worldwide consensus on enabling expanded use of economical, carbon-free nuclear energy to meet growing electricity demand.  Additional information on GNEP.

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