Energy Secretary Rick Perry entered into a “new era” of nuclear power development with France on Thursday, using the state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to sign a joint agreement to advance nuclear and clean energy.
“Today’s signing demonstrates the shared commitment of France and the United States to nuclear power as an affordable, safe, and secure source of clean energy,” Perry said.
The agency said the “signing ushers in a new era” of research and development cooperation between the two countries focused on enhanced collaboration in the area of advanced fast neutron sodium-cooled nuclear reactor technologies and new collaboration in artificial intelligence.
The power plant technology is considered safer than conventional water-cooled power plants, with greater output. The plants also can be scaled down for smaller applications, such as powering a small village.
“Our cooperation today will usher in the nuclear technologies of tomorrow,” Perry added. “Furthermore, today’s signing will help usher in the next-generation innovative technologies important to both our nations.”
The two statements of intent signed Thursday between the Energy Department and France’s Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission cover cooperation on civil nuclear power, nuclear security, and artificial intelligence, Perry said.
The agreement on artificial intelligence will focus on transforming data and information into knowledge and expertise to promote the two countries’ respective goals.
About half of France electricity comes from carbon-free nuclear power plants, which it is slated to reduce in the coming decade in favor of renewable energy to achieve its climate and environmental goals.
