U.S. and France to collaborate on advanced fast neutron sodium-cooled reactors, artificial intelligence

U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry and François Jacq, chair of France’s Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), recently signed two statements of intent (SOIs) for research and development (R&D) collaboration.

The SOIs support R&D in the areas of artificial intelligence and advanced fast neutron sodium-cooled nuclear reactor technologies including modeling, simulation, and validation as well as technology testing, access to the supply chain, experimental facilities, and advanced materials.

“I am pleased to sign these statements on the very first day of my term as CEA’s chairman,” Jacq said. “CEA is a key actor of both the energy and the digital transitions, and I am confident our reinforced partnership with DOE in these two fields will help both our agencies fulfill their mission, for the benefit of our two countries.”

DOE and French institutions have, over the past fifty years, signed more than 40 Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), and Letters of Intent (LOI) and other agreements to collaborate on a range of technology areas, including civil-nuclear energy, basic science, environmental management, renewable energy, and energy management systems.

“Research cooperation between DOE and CEA in the areas of artificial intelligence, civil-nuclear power, and nuclear security serves as an important pillar of innovation in the world today,” Perry said. “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. Our cooperation today will usher in the nuclear technologies of tomorrow. Furthermore, today’s signing will help usher in the next-generation innovative technologies important to both our nations.”