• DOE Office of Science and Technology International Programs
• The National Atomic Energy Commission of the Argentina Republic
• The Hemispheric Center for Environmental Technologies (HCET) and the DOE/Florida International University (FIU) Cooperative Agreement
• Benefits of International Cooperation

The Office of Science and Technology (OST) in the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) conducts an aggressive technology development program for the deployment of innovative solutions to address DOE ’s environmental remediation needs. OST investments provide the scientific foundation for new approaches and technologies that bring about significant reductions in risk, cost, and schedules for EM mission completion.

The mission of OST is to provide the full range of science and technology resources that are needed to deliver and support fully-developed, deployable technological solutions to the environmental remediation problems faced by EM. The OST International Program (IP) Office is responsible for the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and demonstration of international technologies that can accelerate DOE cleanup operations. The goal of IP is to pursue collaborations among governmental organizations, educational institutions, and private industry to identify technologies that can address the environmental remediation needs of DOE. Through international agreements, OST engages in cooperative exchange of information, technology, data on technology development and demonstrations, as well as scientific exchanges.

In keeping with EM’s mandate to protect public health and the environment, IP seeks out and leverages foreign technology, data, and resources for the cost- effective remediation of DOE’s nuclear weapons sites. IP works closely with foreign governments, industry, and universities to obtain innovative environmental technologies, scientific and engineering expertise, and operational experience that will support EM’s objectives. Where appropriate, these international resources are used to manage the more urgent risks at DOE sites, secure a safe workplace, help build consensus on critical issues, and strengthen DOE’s science and technology program.

The National Atomic Energy Commission of the Argentina Republic

Established in 1950, the original mission of the Comisión Nacional de Energía Atónica (CNEA) was to develop nuclear power to meet Argentina's future energy needs. Over the past several decades, the organization has evolved and today acts as a hub for the country's nuclear enterprises. Located within the Argentine Secretariat of Science and Technology, CNEA today has three main roles. As an agency of the federal government, CNEA advises the president of the Republic on nuclear waste policy and is responsible for nuclear waste management. As a research and development institute on nuclear issues, CNEA is responsible for human resource development; managing the deactivation and decommissioning of relevant nuclear facilities; and carrying out programs in the areas of nuclear reactors, nuclear fuel cycles, radioisotope applications, and waste management. As a national laboratory, CNEA carries out research and development in the basic science of nuclear technology; transfers and adapts technologies from the non-nuclear sector; and provides specialized services.

CNEA's cooperative work with DOE generally takes place through their Radioactive Waste Management program. The objectives of the Radioactive Waste Management Program are to promote research and development (R&D) activities and to establish strategies for the management of radioactive waste and the management of spent fuel. The main subprograms include R&D on low level waste and intermediate level waste management, R&D on spent fuel and high level waste management, and engineering projects. CNEA cooperation with DOE also takes place through CNEA's decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) program. The objective of the CNEA D&D program is to achieve, in a reasonable period of time, the technical capabilities required to evaluate and choose the best alternatives for decommissioning relevant nuclear facilities and to take into account the amount of radioactive waste generated.

The Hemispheric Center for Environmental Technologies (HCET) and the DOE/Florida International University (FIU) Cooperative Agreement

HCET was established in 1995 by DOE and FIU to research, develop, and demonstrate innovative environmental technologies and to establish alliances that support their implementation. Its mission is to develop and market technologies to solve environmental problems common to the U.S., the Caribbean, and Latin America. To achieve this goal, HCET performs research and development, technology transfer, and forms partnerships with industries and governments throughout the Americas.

Benefits of International Cooperation

Cooperative programs with the international scientific community meet Department of Energy’s domestic cleanup objectives by:

• Identifying, evaluating, acquiring, and demonstrating EM-related technologies, thereby leveraging foreign investments and providing cost-savings.
• Improving access to international technical information, scientific expertise, and technologies that are applicable to domestic problems.
• Fostering the development of innovative environmental technologies by increasing U.S. private sector opportunities in EM-related areas.