Fuel Cycle Facilities (TWG-FCF)

Background

The Technical Working Group on Fuel Cycle Facilities consists of experts from 20 Member States and covers fuel cycle facilities from milling to fuel fabrication, through conversion, enrichment, and re-conversion1, as well as nuclear research and development (R&D) related fuel cycle facilities (such as research laboratories, Post Irradiation Examination facilities, etc.) The TWG-FCF focuses on status and trends in nuclear fuel cycle facilities (NFCFs) operation areas, including operating experience, optimization, ageing management, long term operation, refurbishment, modernization, and use for capacity building. Being the main advisory tool in planning and implementation of activities in IAEA sub-Programme ‘Fuel Cycle Facilities operation and life management’, and a facilitator of international cooperation in this area, the TWG-FCF brings about benefits to both the IAEA and all interested Member States.

Scope

The following technical areas are within the Scope of the TWG-FCF:

• status and trends in nuclear fuel cycle facilities (NFCFs) operation areas, including operating experience, optimization, ageing management, long term operation, refurbishment, modernization, and use for capacity building.
• covers fuel cycle facilities from milling to fuel fabrication, through conversion, enrichment, and re-conversion, as well as nuclear research and development (R&D) related fuel cycle facilities (such as research laboratories, Post Irradiation Examination facilities, etc.). The TWG-FCF will give due consideration to the safety in all these technical areas.

Mines are covered by the Joint IAEA-NEA/OECD Uranium group and facilities of the backend of the fuel cycle are covered by the TWG-NFCO on nuclear fuel cycle options and spent fuel management.

Functions

The functions of the TWG are the following:

1. To provide advice to DDG-NE and DDG-NS on specific topics of relevance to the IAEA’s programmatic activities;
2. To share information and knowledge on national and international programmes;
3. To contribute to the development and/or review of selected IAEA publications, in particular from the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series, assess existing gaps and advise on the preparation of new publications or e-learning materials;
4. Upon request, to present to the Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Energy (SAGNE) and to other relevant IAEA Groups and Bodies, the key findings of the TWG meeting; and
5. To share experience and advice on increasing the participation of young professionals and improving the gender balance in the nuclear sector.

Membership

1. Members of the TWG shall be subject matter experts who work in the areas within the Scope of the TWG and possess strong links with national and international technical and professional networks in their area of expertise.
2. DDG-NE appoints, in consultation with DDG-NS, Members in their individual capacity following their endorsement by their respective Member State(s). Members shall be appointed taking into account geographical distribution and gender balance. In addition, to the extent feasible, a fair distribution of Members shall be sought from among countries at different stages of development and utilization of nuclear technologies. When justified, up to two TWG Members from the same country may be appointed.
3. International Organizations[1] (“IOs”) may be invited by DDG-NE, in consultation with DDG-NS, to designate experts to participate in the TWG as Observers. Observers shall participate in their capacity as official representatives of their respective Organizations.
4. The duration of a TWG (“term”) is four (4) years, which may be renewed multiple times, without limitation, by DDG-NE, in consultation with DDG-NS. Members/Observers are appointed for the term (or any remaining portion thereof) and may serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
5. Members may propose one (1) Technical Advisor from his/her Member State to assist and advise him/her for a specific TWG meeting. The participation of Technical Advisors is approved by DDG-NE, who shall invite Technical Advisors to attend the specific TWG meeting, subject to the endorsement of the respective Member State.
6. Members of the TWG shall partake in the discussions and deliberations of the TWG and shall actively contribute to the formulation of recommendations, in line with the TWG’s advisory functions. Observers and Technical Advisors may partake in the discussions of the TWG and provide their subject matter expertise; however, they shall not partake in the formulation of recommendations or in the decision-making process of the TWG.
7. The total number of Members of a TWG shall not exceed 20 (i.e. excluding Observers and Technical Advisors).

The term “International Organizations” includes Intergovernmental Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), UN specialized agencies, regional organizations, etc.

Term Duration

4 years, 2024-2027