Message from the new GIF Chair
It is a real pleasure to extend my warmest wishes for a happy and fulfilling New Year to all of you. This year brings exciting new opportunities for GIF.
I am deeply honoured and inspired to assume the role of Chairperson of GIF for the next three years.
Alice Caponiti (USA), and her team have set a remarkable standard over the past three years. Through their dedication, and hard work, they have achieved significant milestones.
Under her leadership, GIF has successfully established a significant partnership with the private sector, as exemplified by the successful Industrial Forum in 2022 and the adoption of a new policy statement on Industry engagement. Furthermore, the framework agreement was renewed (set to take effect by March 2025), and a new initiative on non-electric applications of nuclear heat was launched, among many other impactful achievements.
Building upon this strong foundation, the new leadership team, starting in January 2025, is committed to advancing the deployment of Gen IV systems and strengthening links with other international initiatives. In 2025, GIF will also welcome a new Communication Director, to enhance the dissemination of the results of Gen IV GIF’s actions, research, collaboration.
Together, we will build a sustainable and prosperous future for Generation IV nuclear systems.
Stéphane Sarrade's mission statement for the next 3 years
The ambition of the leadership team is for GIF to remain at the forefront of the technological innovation, pursue our international collaborations in order to boost and accelerate the deployment of Gen IV systems. The world, more than ever, needs robust and sustainable solutions, GIF must play a key role in this process.
The project for the next 3 years is based on two main pillars:
the capitalisation and enhancement of acquired expertise
the expansion towards new actors, new applications and new markets beyond electricity production.
My vision as Chairperson is to expand the involvement of energy sector players by leveraging existing competencies and integrating new participants, particularly start-ups specializing in advanced modular reactors (AMRs). To achieve this, this leadership aims to foster a collaborative environment that connects start-ups from member countries with GIF, creating mutually beneficial partnerships.
For Gen IV to fully play its role as a solution, we will establish a global vision in two areas:
Promote an integrated vision of reactors and associated fuel cycles to enable rapid and efficient deployment. Specifically, I am committed to integrating additional fuel cycle parameters into the analysis of GEN-IV systems to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of these technologies.
Provide decarbonisation solutions for our industries and uses beyond electricity: heat, hydrogen, desalination, and in the future, e-fuels.
In addition, we will continue to strengthen links with others: we will optimise the coordination of actions between the GIF and international organisations such as the IAEA, the OECD/NEA and the IEA. Additionally, we will continue strengthening links with industry, including SNETP (European Sustainable nuclear energy technology platform) and in particular, the newly launched European Industry alliance on SMR.
One of our ambitions is also to raise the GIF profile through transforming GIF's communications strategy in order to raise awareness among decision-makers and attract new talents. The objective is to create dynamic content that showcases the organisation’s mission, drive media engagement, shape innovative marketing strategies, and build strong connections with stakeholders. We will also take the lead in launching outreach campaigns and supporting events to enhance GIF’s visibility and ensure a lasting impact.
Stéphane Sarrade,
GIF Chair (2025-2028)