France Set To Invest EUR 1 Billion In Generation IV R&D
Written by NucNet
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
The French government is to invest one billion euro (EUR) (1.4 billion US dollars) in the development of Generation IV nuclear reactors as part of a EUR 35 billion package designed to boost economic growth.
French president Nicolas Sarkozy said on 14 December 2009 that his government will launch next year a national investment plan to boost economic growth in the medium term.
Part of the plan is to invest in what a government document called “the nuclear of tomorrow”. The document said Generation IV reactors will produce less long-lived radioactive waste and will use less fuel, allowing global reserves of uranium to last longer.
Funding was also announced for the new Jules-Horowitz research reactor, and nuclear waste management and disposal, although no figures were given.
The Jules-Horowitz reactor, at Cadarache in southern France, will be a materials research reactor and will also produce radioisotopes for medical applications. It is expected to be operational in 2014.
