On February 16, the agreement for the second phase of international arrangements for research and development of Generation IV International Forum (GIF) sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) system took effect, indicating that the international cooperation in SFR R&D under the framework of GIF would continue to advance.

　　SFR is one of the six most promising reactors recommended by the GIF. The contracting parties to the first phase include China, France, Japan, South Korea, Russia, the United States and the European Union, and the main content of R&D cooperation consists of SFR safety and operation, advanced fuel development, system integration and evaluation, component design and power plant auxiliary systems, the development and integration of the general standard of safety design, economic evaluation and implementation of innovative programs.

　　The agreement for the first phase of GIF SFR system arrangement is valid for 10 years, expiring on February 15, 2016. In order to ensure the continued implementation of the various R&D projects arranged for this system, GIF launched in early 2015 an extension for SFR system. After nearly a year of coordination and consultation, the contracting parties agreed in December 2015 on the mode, terms, procedures and other issues for the deferment of the SFR system. Before February 15, 2016, France, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States signed the agreement for the second phase of the SFR system arrangement, so that it entered into force on schedule.