Technical Working Group on Fast Reactors (TWG-FR)

Background

The Technical Working Group on Fast Reactors (TWG-FR) is a group of international experts who provide advice and support IAEA programme implementation in the area of advanced technologies and research and development (R&D) for fast reactors and sub-critical hybrid systems for energy production and for utilization/transmutation of long-lived nuclides. The first IAEA technical working group, TWG-FR was established in 1967, as the keystone of IAEA activities in the field of fast reactor technology development. For over 50 years, the IAEA has been serving interested Member States as a focal point for information exchange, and collaborative research and technology development for fast reactors.

Scope

The TWG-FR assists in formulating an international vision applicable to current and advanced fast reactors, as well as to sub-critical hybrid systems for energy production and utilization/transmutation of long-lived radioactive nuclides. The scope of this TWG includes:

• Design and technologies for current, evolutionary and innovative fast reactors (experimental, prototype or demonstration, and commercial size fast reactors) and subcritical hybrid systems, including non-sodium cooled fast reactors and sub-critical hybrid systems;
• Economics, performance and safety of fast reactors and sub-critical hybrid systems;
• Advanced fuel cycles and fuel options for the utilization and transmutation of actinides and long-lived fission products, including the utilization of thorium.

Functions

The functions of the TWG-FR are:

1. To provide advice and guidance, and to marshal support in their countries for implementation of IAEA’s programmatic activities in the area of advanced technologies and R&D for fast reactors and sub-critical hybrid systems (e.g., accelerator driven systems, and fusion/fission systems) for energy production and for utilization/transmutation of long-lived nuclides;
2. To provide a forum for information and knowledge sharing on national and international development programs in the area of advanced technologies and R&D for fast reactors and sub-critical hybrid systems (e.g., accelerator driven systems, and fusion/fission systems) for energy production and for utilization/transmutation of long-lived nuclides;
3. To act as a link between lAEA’s activities in the specific area of the TWG-FR and national scientific communities, delivering information from and to national communities;
4. To provide advice on preparatory actions in Member States and IAEA’s activities in planning and implementing Coordinated Research Projects, collaborative assessments and other activities as well as the review of the results on advanced technologies and R&D for fast reactors and sub-critical hybrid systems (e.g., accelerator driven systems, and fusion/fission systems) for energy production and for utilization/transmutation of long-lived nuclides;
5. To develop and/or review selected documents from the Nuclear Energy Series, assess existing gaps, and advise on the preparation of new ones, within the scope of activities of the TWG-FR;
6. To contribute to status reports, technical meetings and topical conferences in the field of advanced technologies and R&D for fast reactors and sub-critical hybrid systems (e.g., accelerator driven systems, and fusion/fission systems) for energy production and for utilization/transmutation of long-lived nuclides;
7. To identify important topics for discussion by the Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Energy (SAGNE); and
8. To encourage participation of young professionals, as appropriate, in IAEA activities.

Membership

The members of the TWG-FR are appointed by the IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, following consultation with the respective national authorities or organizations.

Term Duration

4 years, 2022-2025