2021 GIF Annual Report

The 2021 Generation IV International Forum (GIF) Annual Report highlights significant advancements in Generation-IV (Gen-IV) reactor systems. Celebrating its second decade, GIF remains the exclusive international body devoted to collaborative R&D on six Gen-IV reactor systems using various coolants such as sodium, lead, gas, molten salt, and supercritical water. These systems are developed with safety, economics, sustainability, and proliferation resistance in mind.

The report honors the end of Chair Hideki Kamide’s successful three-year term, noting his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key activities in 2021 included private sector engagement through workshops, strengthening GIF’s role in climate change initiatives like the Clean Energy Ministerial, and elevating education and training efforts to ensure a skilled future workforce.

Progress was made in advancing the safety framework for Gen-IV systems through collaborations with the IAEA and NEA’s WGSAR. Efforts to streamline nuclear technology sharing included updates to the proliferation resistance and physical protection white papers. Additionally, a new initiative focused on non-electric applications of nuclear heat was launched, and a refresh of GIF’s brand and communication products was completed.

Looking forward, GIF aims to ensure sustainable nuclear energy and the commercial deployment of advanced systems by 2030. This will involve enhancing Gen-IV systems to address climate change, supporting the transition from R&D to demonstration and deployment, and strengthening industry engagement through the GIF Senior Industry Advisory Panel. Newly appointed Chair Alice Caponiti expresses optimism for the future of nuclear energy in meeting evolving energy needs.