PROGRAM DETAILS - U.S. Department of Energy

esearch, design, and demonstration program that seeks to establish the commercial potential of
gas reactors as a provider of process heat for industrial applications. The Nuclear Hydrogen
Initiative is working closely with NGNP R&D to develop technologies that will apply high
temperature process heat and/or electricity from next generation nuclear energy systems to
produce hydrogen at a cost competitive with other alternative transportation fuels.
In FY 2009, the program will continue critical gas-cooled reactor R&D that will help achieve
desired goals of sustainability, economics, and proliferation resistance to ready the technology
for commercial deployment in the 2030 timeframe. In FY 2009, Gen IV R&D focuses
specifically on component and material aging and degradation where results will directly benefit
existing nuclear plants by extending their current operating licensing period and designing
advanced reactor concept plants with a longer operating life. Continued investigation of technical
and economical challenges and risks are needed to support NGNP design and licensing basis
development. In FY 2009, NGNP development will focus on design development and generic
licensing issue resolution consistent with the NGNP Licensing Strategy Report to Congress.
NGNP R&D will maintain its focus on fuel development and high temperature metals and
graphite qualification, but will also include broader activities conducted in support of extended
temperature operation that may optimize the potential for economic hydrogen production.
Successful completion of these activities will reduce the project risk as the Department moves
forward in concert with private industry towards a demonstration plant by 2021. Key to the
strategy for conducting R&D under the Gen IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative is the
multiplication effect on investment derived from international collaboration. By coordinating
U.S. efforts with those of the GIF partner nations, program funding is leveraged by a factor of
two to ten, depending on the reactor concept involved.
Critical Events and Action Items
Hot Issues
3-month events
12-month events
Provide a Critical Decision-1 package to the DOE Acquisition Executive
(Deputy Secretary) for approval of Alternative Selection and Cost Range,
which would include an acquisition strategy for establishing an industrial
partnership on the NGNP project.
Complete the Nuclear Regulatory Commission review and acceptance of
the DOE sponsored NGNP research and development plans.
Complete the initial NGNP fuel qualification shakedown tests and
evaluations.
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