GNEP program dead

A Department of Energy spokeswoman confirmed that the domestic component of the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) has been cancelled: "The long-term fuel cycle research and development program will continue but not the near-term deployment of recycling facilities or fast reactors.” GNEP was intended to promote the use of nuclear power, reduce waste and decrease the risk of proliferation. However, many nuclear arms control organizations, including Ploughshares grantees such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Federation of American Scientists, the Institute for Policy Studies and Alliance for Nuclear Accountability, strongly criticized the plan, saying it undermined proliferation policy, cost over $100 billion, posed environmental risks and did not solve the nuclear waste problem.

Nuclear Engineering International