A Retrospective of INFCIRCs 153 and 540
4.17 Restricting the Spread of ENR
Supplemental Information
INPRO – International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles
Gen IV refers to “next generation” nuclear energy systems that should be highly economical, possess advanced safety features, minimize wastes, and are proliferation resistant. Gen IV can also refer to the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) that was established in 2000 for the purpose of exploring nuclear energy concepts to supply future energy demand.
Proliferation resistance is that characteristic of a nuclear energy system that impedes the diversion or undeclared production of nuclear material or misuse of technology, by States, in order to acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.
Worldwide, there are 442 operable nuclear power reactors in 31 countries. 28 additional reactors are under construction in 13 countries.
On July 18, 2005, Indian Prime Minister Singh and U.S. President Bush announced an agreement that would expand bilateral activities and commerce in space, civil nuclear energy, and dual-use technologies. Conclusion of a cooperation agreement is pending.
The United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of 2006 was passed by the United States Congress in December 2006. The law exempts India from certain requirements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
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