US secretary of energy Samuel W Bodman joined signatories from Japan, France, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, the European Union and the UK in endorsing research into six next generation technologies.

These technologies include the Gas-Cooled Fast Reactor, the Sodium Fast Reactor, the Molten Salt Reactor, the Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor, the Very High Temperature Reactor, and the Supercritical Water Reactor.

The US has expressed a particular desire to develop the Very High Temperature Reactor in order to provide a low-waste, low emission way to produce electricity and hydrogen.

The signing of the GIF Framework Agreement will allow the participating nations to co-ordinate research and conduct joint projects in each of their territories. It is aimed at bringing a balanced participation framework that will ensure free access to innovation on an international level.

“Each of our nations recognises that developing new nuclear technologies will be indispensable in meeting our growing energy needs and to support continued economic growth,” said secretary Bodman.

"This research agreement will accelerate an international effort to develop Generation IV nuclear energy systems that will be safer, more reliable, cost-effective and proliferation-resistant than any technology available today."