AAEA Supports Global Nuclear Energy Partnership

President Bush's Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) proposes to expand the use of nuclear energy by developing a worldwide consensus on using this emission-free technology to meet growing electricity demand. It will achieve this objective by having nations with secure nuclear capabilities to provide potential partner nations with nuclear facilities, fresh fuel and recovery of used fuel for recycling.

AAEA Preaident Norris McDonald recently met with Dennis R. Spurgeon (left), Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in Washington DC. The two-hour meeting included other environmental groups: Greenpeace, NRDC, Public Citizen, Union of Concerned Scientists and others. Assistant Secretary Spurgeon appeared to thoroughly enjoy the sometimes spirited discussion. AAEA was the only group supporting the program, which led to some interesting exchanges with our recalcitrant enviro colleagues.

Update: The House approved $120 million for GNEP on May24, 2006, less than
half of the $250 million requested by the Bush administration.

Update: 8-3-06 DOE announced $20 million to conduct detailed siting studies for public or commercial entities interested in hosting the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership facilities. Entities may qualify to receive up to $5 million per site.