Nuclear Fuel Cycle Options and Spent Fuel Management (TWG-NFCO)

Background

TWG-NFCO is one of the IAEA Advisory Groups to DDG-NE which focuses on nuclear fuel cycle options with an emphasis on spent fuel management (storage and reprocessing & recycling), innovative fuel cycles for Gen-IV reactors and nuclear materials management.

Scope

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

• Nuclear fuel cycle options with an emphasis on spent fuel management.
• Policies and Strategies for the backend of the fuel cycle.
• Management of spent fuel (storage, recycling, and transportation)
• Innovative fuel cycles (multirecycling, minor actinides management and P&T of long-lived fission products)
• Management of nuclear materials

TWG-NFCO will give due recognition to all relevant aspects including safety, economy, health, environmental implications, and non-proliferation.

Functions

1. To provide advice to DDG-NE 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) 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

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.

DDG-NE appoints 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.

Term Duration

4 years, 2021-2024