2016 GIF Annual Report
Annual Report of the Generation IV International Forum for 2016.
In 2016, the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) continued its mission to advance nuclear technology through collaborative efforts, guided by the new Chair, Dr. François Gauché. The annual report highlights significant achievements, including the extension of the GIF Framework Agreement and the Technology Roadmap Update, which emphasized safety design criteria and guidelines. Under Dr. Gauché’s leadership, and with the support of Vice-Chairs Hideki Kamide, John Kelly, and Hark Rho Kim, the GIF focused on market issues, regulatory engagement, and international collaborations, respectively.
A notable milestone was welcoming Australia as the 14th member of GIF, enhancing the forum’s global collaboration. The extension of the Framework Agreement by all members signified a renewed commitment to advancing GIF activities over the next decade. The System Arrangements for the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR), very-high-temperature reactor (VHTR), supercritical water-cooled reactor (SCWR), and gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR) were extended, ensuring continued collaborative R&D.
The report also underscores the active role of GIF’s cross-cutting task forces. The Education and Training Task Force launched a successful series of monthly webinars and participated in international summer schools. The Safety Design Criteria Task Force made significant strides with the SFR, moving towards Phase II with the development of safety design guidelines. Additionally, the Senior Industry Advisory Panel (SIAP) increased its engagement, contributing to strategic advice and supporting the move towards the demonstration phase of various systems.
The collaborative R&D efforts within GIF’s six systems and the activities of the Economic Modelling Working Group (EMWG), Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection Working Group (PRPPWG), and Risk and Safety Working Group (RSWG) continued to make significant progress. These efforts are set to culminate in an updated R&D outlook, scheduled for release in 2018, ahead of the Fourth GIF Symposium.