NEA and EPRI to cooperate on nuclear research

The OECD-Nuclear Energy Agency and the US-based Electric Power Research Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to exchange global nuclear research experience. The MOU outlines the scope and objectives of a five-year agreement to establish dialogue between them. Representatives of each organisation will now be invited to participate in each other's committee meetings and they may also organise joint events, seminars, workshops and training activities.

The OECD-Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the US-based Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to exchange global nuclear research experience. The MOU outlines the scope and objectives of a five-year agreement to establish dialogue between them. Representatives of each organisation will now be invited to participate in each other's committee meetings and they may also organise joint events, seminars, workshops and training activities.

The signing of the agreement (Image: NEA)

In a joint statement, the organisations said the purpose of the MOU is to "deepen both parties' understanding of the global research needs in the area of nuclear energy, taking into consideration perspectives of utilities and the industry, as well as those of regulators and government organisations". Various areas of nuclear energy research are covered by the MOU, including safety, radiation protection, scientific and technical developments, operational experience, economic analysis and radioactive waste management.

NEA director general William Magwood said, "Our efforts to ensure that NEA member countries have access to state‑of‑the‑art information in nuclear technology and operations will be significantly enhanced thorough this partnership.

"EPRI understands the existing and emerging challenges of nuclear facility operations. Its collaborative research activities will enhance the scope and relevance of the work of the NEA, and as such, help us to address the technical and strategic interests of our member countries."

EPRI vice president and chief nuclear officer Neil Wilmshurst added: "Our mutual interest in improving the connection between research, industry and regulation gives us the unique opportunity to leverage our strengths through cooperation, develop innovative ideas, and deliver new technology for the benefit of EPRI's global membership and NEA member countries.

"EPRI is delighted to utilise its pool of knowledge, expertise and information to exchange with the NEA at the strategical level, and thus to work together to ensure the safe operation of carbon‑free nuclear generation."

EPRI - headquartered in Palo Alto, California - is an independent, non-profit organisation that conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity. Its membership represents over 90% of the electricity generated and supplied in the USA.

Paris-based NEA is an intergovernmental agency operating within the framework of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Its mission is to assist its 31 member countries in maintaining and further developing, through international cooperation, the scientific, technological and legal bases required for the safe, environmentally sound and economical use of nuclear energy.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News