Four case studies were presented at the event, Decommissioning of Different Types of Power Reactors: Challenges, Issues and Advances, organized by Slovakia. The case studies highlighted the main decommissioning aspects of power reactors cooled by light water, heavy water, sodium and gas. Attendees discussed the specific design features that influence the selection and implementation of decommissioning approaches, as well as the related challenges and issues. The advances achieved worldwide in dealing with the final phase of the power reactor life cycle were also presented.
The importance of having well-developed and exercised emergency preparedness and response plans at nuclear facilities, involving a wide range of stakeholders and taking into account both security and safety issues was emphasized at the Emergency Preparedness and Response at Nuclear Facilities: International Perspectives event, organized by the United Kingdom. Academic experts and international practitioners shared their insights, based on the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Security Culture Programme, on key considerations, challenges and opportunities for ensuring security and safety during a wide range of unexpected events.
In the virtual session, Closing the Nuclear Fuel Cycle — The Way to a Circular Economy, organized by the Russian Federation, presenters demonstrated that nuclear power is not only carbon free, but also has features of renewables, in that nuclear fuel could be reused.
Shared challenges in financing large nuclear power projects, financing small modular reactors and including nuclear power in taxonomy regulation were the key discussion points at the event, IFNEC: Global Finance Challenges, organized by the United States of America.
The Rosatom Technical Academy: Decade of Partnership with the IAEA event, organized by the Russian Federation, marked mark 10 years of collaboration between the IAEA and the Rosatom Technical Academy. The two work together to help IAEA Member States strengthen knowledge management and human resources development in nuclear energy and nuclear security.
Organized by France, the event, Value Chain Challenges Across the Fuel Cycle: Supporting the Development of New Reactor Technologies or New Uses for Existing Ones, focused on the importance of assessing and integrating aspects related to front end supply, fuel cycle management, spent fuel and waste treatment and disposal, and associated logistics from the outset of a nuclear power programme.
Panelists taking part in the session, The UK SSAC, One Year On: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges, organized by the United Kingdom, discussed the key successes and lessons learned since the UK took full sovereign responsibility for its safeguards arrangements, including the development, implementation and operation of its own State system of accounting for and control of nuclear material (SSAC). The discussion also addressed how the UK is using its expertise and experience to aid other IAEA Member States in their objectives to strengthen their safeguards regimes.
A virtual event, Spent Nuclear Fuel Management in a Sustainable Fuel Cycle, organized by the Russian Federation, focused on finding new and effective solutions for ensuring minimal waste from the fuel cycle and maximum use of recycling.
The event, UAE Nuclear Energy Programme — Ahead of Curve in Powering Net Zero Through Ensuring Energy Security and Sustainability, organized by the United Arab Emirates, focused on the identified challenges and opportunities that the Barakah nuclear power plant offers with regard to sustainability, energy security and energy diversification in the UAE.
The 70 Years of Nuclear Stewardship in Australia event, organized by Australia, reflected on the past 70 years of Australia’s nuclear stewardship, and discussions were held regarding the future needs and trends for nuclear industries both within Australia and across the Indo-Pacific region. Participants were also presented with case studies illustrating Australia’s leadership in nuclear applications and technology.
25 Years of FORO: Present and Future Challenges for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety and Security, an event organized by Mexico, provided a forum for IAEA Member States and other interested parties to discuss Ibero-American Forum of Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Agencies (FORO) activities and the outcomes of the FORO technical programme towards maintaining high levels of radiation protection and nuclear safety in the Ibero-American region.
The event Fusion and Plasma for a Sustainable Future, organized by the United States of America, showcased the ways in which plasma science can produce new society-altering technologies with applications in water purification, microelectronics fabrication, bacteria and virus de-activation, as well as energy with nuclear fusion. At the event, Practical Arrangements were signed between the IAEA and the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory on cooperation in education, outreach and training in fusion research.
At the annual Plenary meeting of the 14th Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa, organized by Nigeria, the Forum’s Strategic Plan 2022–2027 was endorsed the achievements of the six thematic working groups over the past year, as well as their future work plans, were reviewed and approved.
The event, Public Acceptance at the Local Level: A Prerequisite for Final Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel, organized by Finland and Sweden, focused on public acceptance of the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel and addressed how making progress in the final disposal in Finland and Sweden has been possible.
Addressing Climate Change Through Innovation — The Intersection Between Nuclear Science and Technology, Global Security and Clean Energy, an event organized by the United States of America, showcased the US National Nuclear Security Administration’s capabilities and programmes at the intersection between nuclear power, climate change and international security. Efforts to support the safe, secure and responsible growth of advanced and small nuclear reactors, were also highlighted.
