Nine countries, as well as the member states of the European Union (represented by the European Atomic Energy Community) are working together as the Generation IV International Forum (GiF) to lay the groundwork for the Generation IV reactor.
From 2000 onwards, nuclear power plants have been categorised in 'generations'. The categories are commonly described as;
The next generation of nuclear energy systems — Generation IV — must be licensed, constructed and operated in a manner that will provide a competitively priced supply of energy. They must consider an optimum use of natural resources, while addressing nuclear safety, waste and proliferation resistance and public perception concerns of the countries in which those systems are deployed.
Recognizing both the positive attributes and shortcomings of the prior generations of reactor designs, ten countries are working together to lay the groundwork for a fourth generation, called Generation IV. The governmental entities are working together as the Generation IV International Forum (GIF).
Because the next generation of nuclear energy systems will address needed areas of improvement and offer great potential, many countries share a common interest in advanced research and development. Such development will benefit from the identification and promising research areas and collaborative efforts that should be explored by the international research committee.
The collaboration on research and development by nations on the development of advanced next generation nuclear energy systems will aid the progress toward the realization of such systems.
*: Non-active members, as of 2008[update].[1]
The United States would also back Australia's bid to become a member of this forum to develop next generation nuclear energy systems.
"Australia intends to participate in the global nuclear energy partnership and there'll be great benefits in terms of access to nuclear technology and non-proliferation", Mr. Howard said.
"The United States will support Australian membership in the Generation IV International Forum which involves R&D to develop safer and better nuclear reactors."[2]