Canada part of international initiative to develop improved nuclear technologies

Canada has opted to pursue research for two of the six nuclear energy systems identified by the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) as the best bets for energy production beyond 2025. Established in 2001, GIF selected the six systems from among more than 100 nuclear reactor concepts and its 13 members have produced detailed R&D roadmaps to coordinate further research.

Bonded by a framework agreement, the GIF member nations will coordinate R&D efforts but pay for their own research, choose which system they wish to pursue and protect and share intellectual property with the membership as a whole.

Gen I nuclear reactors were prototypes developed in the 1950s which led to Gen II, the first wave of commercial reactors in the 1970s and 1980s. Gen II systems were pressurized water reactors and boiling water reactors, many of which remain in service. Gen III systems are water-cooled reactors featuring more sophisticated design, greater safety and enhanced efficiency. Gen IV are designed to significantly decrease emissions, enhance security and reduce waste.

The GIF's technical secretariat is being provided by the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency .

In addition to the two designs being pursued by Canada (see article above), the other types are: Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors, Gas-Cooled Fast Reactors, Lead-Cooled Fast Reactors and Molten Salt Reactors.

The GIF is comprised of Canada, France, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Euratom (European nations that are signatories to the Euratom Treaty), China and Russia.

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