Supporting Europe's vision for nuclear energy More than 120 European stakeholders from industry, research organisations and academia have joined efforts to re-affirm the contribution of nuclear fission to energy sustainability, security of supply and competitiveness of a low-carbon economy. The European Commission has financially supported the secretariat of this European Technology Platform for nuclear energy (http://www.snetp.eu/ (SNETP)). Energy © Thinkstock The European Commission has recognised the role played by nuclear energy EU Energy 2020/2030/2050 and Climate policies, in satisfying Europe's energy security of energy supply, competitiveness of European industry as well as in limiting greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, a realistic assessment of its potential for improved efficiency in the utilisation of natural resources could not ignore the essential question of public acceptance of the need for an EU Energy mix. To maintain the competitiveness in fission technologies, its highest levels of safety, long-term waste management solutions and completion of the preparations for the demonstration of new generation of fission reactors (Generation IV) for increased sustainability is at the core of the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform's (SNETP) shared vision. SNETP facilitates closer collaboration between EC, research organisations, industry, academia and all relevant stakeholders Fora to enable the definition and implementation of a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRiA), deployment strategy and an implementation plan that will enable this vision to be realised. SNETP is steered by a governing board, providing guidance on how to push forward this SRA, and run by an executive committee. With financial support from the 'SNETP management, implementation, liaison and evolution' (SMILE) project, a secretariat provided support to the governing bodies and the coordination of different working groups. SMILE project funds have also been used to ensure the maximum visibility for SNETP and the impact of the message it conveys. The secretariat served as an instrument for improving the dissemination of public information and, thereby, the social acceptance of nuclear energy. Through the new website, timely information about advances in nuclear energy is provided to the general public. On the other hand, the results of joint activities between researchers and industry were communicated to appropriate policymaking and stakeholder bodies to promote a common European vision. In addition, every year, the general assembly was convened as a means to facilitate the widest involvement of interested stakeholders and to build commitment to attaining the goals of SNETP. During these events and a series of themed meetings, new participants had the opportunity to join the Platform. Membership was not limited to the initial contributors to SNETP's SRA. SNETP aims to include the most innovative companies and other organisations to advance the European Research Area (ERA) in sustainable nuclear fission energy. Keywords Nuclear energy, energy supply, Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform, SNETP
