Technical Meeting on Advancements and Innovations in High Temperature Technologies for the Processing of Radioactive Waste

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promotes the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear energy including the management of radioactive waste according to nationally and internationally agreed principles and standards with safe disposal as endpoint for all waste types. nuclear energy including the management of radioactive waste according to nationally and internationally agreed principles and standards with safe disposal as endpoint for all waste types.A wide variety of low- and intermediate-level (LILW) streams require conditioning in order to meet the Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) for disposal. In this regard, processing of waste steams into stable waste forms for storage/disposal is a critical aspect of the management of nuclear waste arises. Although technologies are available for processing the majority of waste streams, there remain some waste streams for which either a suitable technology does not exist or cannot be accessed (for a number of reasons – cost, lack of technical capability, small volume, unknown characteristics). Considering the high overall costs for developing new individual treatment/conditioning processes to immobilize this waste into suitable waste forms for geological disposal, the benefits offered by thermal treatment technologies under development may be able to assist in processing these waste types. Modular or shared/international thermal facilities would facilitate processing small volume of waste as encountered in many Members States.The IAEA recognizes that thermal technologies have an important role and as such the Waste Technology Section (WTS) at the IAEA has initiated the International Predisposal Network (IPN) platform to share waste management information (including thermal processing technologies) from publications (predisposal handbooks), Co-ordinated Research Programs (CRP), Case studies, fellowship training and Wiki articles among its members. This event will explore innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of radioactive waste processing using high temperature technologies.The purpose of the event is to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts in the field of high temperature radioactive waste processing technologies. It focuses on highlighting advancements in processing technologies, including emerging developments and best practices. The meeting seeks to facilitate discussions, share experiences, and explore innovative solutions to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of radioactive waste processing. Through the exchange of expertise and lessons learned, the meeting aims to contribute to the continuous improvement of radioactive waste management practices on an international scale.The event is targeted at representatives of MS with a programme or project regarding the high temperature processing of radioactive waste. In order to maximize the exchange of information, individuals attending should be from nuclear facilities NPPs, or from non-governmental or international organizations that represent such programmes regionally or worldwide.The meeting will facilitate the sharing of national and international experiences, lessons learned as well as innovative solutions under research. Information will be summarised to aid future discussions regarding the management of waste.