NIA and PGS urged United States to adopt Next Generation Nuclear Technologies

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Two US think tanks, the NIA (Nuclear Innovation Alliance) and PGS (Partnership for Global Security) released a joint report. They defined a comprehensive strategy for the USA to become the global leader in advanced nuclear power. They pointed out that the strategy outlines the domestic and international activities required to ensure the USA can lead in the development and deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies through collaboration between government, industry, civil society, and other nations. The strategy explores how public-private partnerships can drive innovation to commercialize advanced reactor technologies at the domestic level. It says, “The Biden Administration and Congress have critical roles to play in leading government innovation efforts and funding demonstration projects. Internationally, the strategy highlights how advanced nuclear energy “can be imbued into US foreign policy and international relations”.

They said Organizations that generally endorse the strategy and the importance of advanced reactors include the American Nuclear Society, Bipartisan Policy Center, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, ClearPath, Energy Innovation Reform Project, Good Energy Collective, Nuclear Engineering Department Heads Organization, and Third Way. The Executive Director of NIA, Judi Greenwald said, “Clean energy technologies including advanced nuclear energy are essential to meet mid-century emission reductions goals. It will take a whole-of-society effort to address climate change and to fulfill advanced nuclear energy’s promise as a climate solution. This report’s high-level recommendations for government, industry and civil society are a starting point”. The President of the Partnership for Global Security, Ken Luongo said, “The intersection of climate change, nuclear power, and global security is an important and dynamic policy area and this report advances the actions required to manage that nexus”.

The statement adds, “The US must again become a leader in the international nuclear market if it is to ensure that the next generation of nuclear technologies supports effective global security by reducing climate impacts, responding to the need for clean energy growth, and ensuring strong global best practices for security and non-proliferation”. The report also said, the US Advanced Nuclear Energy Strategy for Domestic Prosperity, Climate Protection, National Security, and Global Leadership – continued bipartisan efforts are needed to support the domestic industry, regulatory reform, and global competitiveness. It says actions are needed to ensure sufficient appropriations for federal investment and public-private partnerships during the 2020s, continue executive and regulatory efforts to reduce market barriers, and modernize regulation for advanced reactors.