Technical Working Group on Nuclear Power in Low-Carbon Energy Systems (TWG-NPLCES)

Background

The Technical Working Group on Nuclear Power in Low-Carbon Energy Systems (TWG- NPLCES) is a group of international experts who provide advice and support to the IAEA programme implementation in the area of nuclear power in low-carbon energy systems, reflecting related economic, environmental and climate, and energy planning issues.

Scope

The following technical areas are within the scope of the TWG-NPLCES:

Economics focus

• Techno-economics of integrated energy systems, including low-carbon power systems with high shares of variable renewables, and coupling to other sectors through electrification and hydrogen
• Economics of nuclear power, and comparison with alternative generation technologies, including system cost analysis
• Financing of nuclear programmes
• Macro-economic impacts of nuclear power programmes
• The nexus of techno-economic and policy constraints impacting the sustainability of the global fleet of NPPs operating today

Environment and Climate focus

• Role of nuclear power in the fight against climate change, including mitigation aspects and adaptation and resilience aspects
• Life-cycle assessment of nuclear and other technologies, economics and policy aspects
• Contribution of nuclear power to Sustainable Development Goals
• Nuclear power in Climate policies and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investment frameworks in the context of sustainable finance

Energy planning focus

• Long-term electricity and nuclear capacity projections
• Contribution of nuclear energy to clean energy transitions
• Integrated Climate-Land-Energy-Water (CLEW) assessment and role of nuclear power options
• Capacity building to support Member States in assessing the role of nuclear power as part of low-carbon energy systems.
• Energy policies supporting sustainability – status and trends

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.

International Organizations may be invited by DDG-NE to designate experts to participate in the TWG as Observers. Observers shall participate in their capacity as official representatives of their respective Organizations.

The duration of a TWG (“term”) is four years, which may be renewed multiple times, without limitation. Members/Observers are appointed for the term (or any remaining portion thereof) and may serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Members may propose one 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.

Current Term duration

4 years, 2021-2024