Africa’s Senegal became member number 20 of the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) earlier this month. The organization was launched in 2006 and consists of nations at every stage of nuclear power development to help meet growing energy demand globally in a safe and secure manner, while at the same time reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation and responsibly managing spent nuclear fuel.
Senegal’s Ambassador to Germany, Austria, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Cheikh Sylla, signed the GNEP Statement of Principles at a ceremony at the IAEA in Vienna presided over by US Ambassador Greg Schulte, the Permanent Representative of the US to the UN.
“We welcome the Republic of Senegal as GNEP’s newest partner and 20th member. Senegal is currently considering nuclear power as a way to meet their growing energy demands and they recognize GNEP as a valuable forum in which to explore the benefits of safe and emissions-free nuclear energy,” Dennis Spurgeon, US Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy said. “GNEP is made up of countries with a wide range of experience related to nuclear power and this diversity strengthens the partnership, assuring that the common goal of safely expanding the use of nuclear energy worldwide moves forward.”
Member countries of GNEP have access to key research and technology development programs as well as participation in international policy collaboration.
