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2012

NEA Director-General addresses Fukushima Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety
On 15 December 2012, NEA Director-General Luis Echávarri delivered an NEA Statement on the opening day of the Fukushima Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety being held in Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. The statement highlights NEA follow-up actions and international projects underway in response to TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Read more...

Low-carbon systems of the future must take system costs into account
A new study just released by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) recommends that decision-makers should take full electricity system costs into account in energy choices and that such costs should be internalised according to a "generator pays" principle. Read more...

Nuclear safety defence-in-depth
In addition to approving the NEA Programme of Work for 2013-2014, at its 18-19 October meeting the NEA Steering Committee for Nuclear Energy held a policy debate on Nuclear Safety Defence-in-Depth. Speakers included Dr. C.S. Kang, Chairman of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (Republic of Korea), Dr. M. Weightman, HM Chief Inspector, Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (United Kingdom), Commissioner W.D. Magwood IV, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (United States) and Mr. L. Stricker, Chairman of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). Participants in the debate recognised that the concept of defence-in-depth is valid, but that issues have been raised post-Fukushima regarding its implementation which needs to be further reviewed and improved. They stressed that responsibility for safety lies with the operator, but that the regulator has an important role to play in ensuring that the barriers in place to protect the public and the environment remain effective. The fundamental importance of a robust safety culture was also highlighted.

UAE nuclear regulator joins the Multinational Design Evaluation Programme (MDEP)
On 24-26 September 2012, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is participating in its first MDEP meeting as a new associate member, on the occasion of the MDEP Steering Technical Committee meeting which is being held in Beijing, China. Read more...

Belgian safety strategy for radioactive waste surface disposal facility found to be "credible and robust"
The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has just presented to the Belgian authorities the outcome of an international peer review on "Key aspects of the safety case for a radioactive waste surface disposal facility in Belgium". The review examines the credibility and robustness of the long-term safety strategy and the long-term safety assessment documented in the draft safety case being prepared by the national radioactive waste management agency, ONDRAF/NIRAS. The draft safety case is being prepared for a license application for the construction and operation of a surface disposal facility for short-lived, low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste in the municipality of Dessel. Read more...

NEA Director-General high-level visit to Korea
From 30 August to 3 September, NEA Director-General Luis E. Echávarri was in the Republic of Korea for a series of high-level visits. On 30 August, he participated in the opening of the Nuclear Science and Technology Festival with the Korean Prime Minister, Hwang-Sik Kim. He thanked the Prime Minister for Korea’s active participation in the NEA, highlighting the country’s achievements in nuclear science and research, and commending the government for having established the new independent regulatory authority. In subsequent discussions, he recalled the importance of having a technically competent, independent nuclear regulatory body that provides factual information in a timely and transparent manner to all interested parties, including the public. On 31 August, Mr. Echávarri provided the opening speech at the Nuclear Science and Technology Forum and gave a lecture to around 100 of Korea’s top undergraduates in nuclear studies. Meetings were held with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS), the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC).

Global uranium supply ensured for long term, new report shows
Uranium resources and production are on the rise with the security of uranium supply ensured for the long term, according to a new report by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).Uranium 2011: Resources, Production and Demand, commonly referred to as the “Red Book”, shows that total identified uranium resources have grown 12.5% since 2008. However, the costs of production have also increased, leading to reductions in lower cost category resources. These figures, which reflect the situation as of 1 January 2011, mean that total identified resources are sufficient for over 100 years of supply based on current requirements.

Just released: International peer review results on a radioactive waste repository in Sweden
The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has just presented to the Swedish authorities the outcome of an international peer review on “The Post-closure Radiological Safety Case for a Spent Fuel Repository in Sweden”. The review examines the post-closure radiological safety analysis report (SR-Site) produced by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) in support of the application for a general licence to construct and operate a spent nuclear fuel geological repository in the municipality of Östhammar. If granted, this will be the first general licence worldwide for a spent fuel repository. More...

Russian Federation to join the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency
On 23 May 2012, an official exchange of letters took place between OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Andrey Denisov and Deputy Director-General of Rosatom Nikolay Spasskiy to formalise the accession of the Russian Federation to the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and its Data Bank effective as from 1st January 2013. Russia will then become the 31st member country of the NEA. More...

Top nuclear safety regulators enhance crisis communication following Fukushima
On 9-10 May 2012, senior officials from nuclear regulatory organisations and key stakeholders from 25 countries and 7 international organisations met during a two-day International Workshop on Crisis Communication: Facing the Challenges to share best practices and to improve crisis communication. The workshop was organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and hosted by the Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear (CSN) in Madrid, Spain. Read more...

Webcast: Crisis communication challenges following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident
Watch live coverage of the OECD/NEA International Workshop on Crisis Communication: Facing the Challenges hosted by the Spanish Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear (CSN) in Madrid, Spain. During the workshop, senior nuclear regulatory officials and key stakeholders from 25 countries and 7 international organisations will share best practices and identify emerging issues in crisis communication following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident.

Webcast | Workshop information and programme

Date and time: 9 May from 9:30 (CEST/GMT+2) and 10 May from 9:00 (CEST/GMT+2)

Indian nuclear regulatory body (AERB) joins the Multinational Design Evaluation Programme (MDEP)
On 4 April 2012, India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) became the first new member in the MDEP since its inception in 2006. Read more...

NEA co-organises Fukushima decommissioning workshop and site visit
On 12-14 March 2012 the Japanese government and the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) held an International Experts’ Workshop and International Symposium on the Decommissioning of TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Units 1-4 in Tokyo, Japan. This event was co-organised with the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The event provided a forum for discussion and exchange of information among technical experts from Japanese utilities, research and design organisations, regulatory bodies, manufacturing and service companies, as well as other international experts on decommissioning, radioactive waste management and robotics. Attendees visited the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant following the symposium. Plant manager Takeshi Takahashi received the delegates who then toured the earthquake-resistant building that serves as command post for all operations, various waste sites, the damaged power units and the newly reinforced anti-tsunami seawall. Read more about the OECD/NEA’s work following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident here.

OECD/NEA Director-General Luis E. Echávarri on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident: One year later
"...As we reflect upon the first anniversary of these tragedies, our condolences go out to the Japanese people affected by these events. We also continue to pledge our support to the authorities who are working towards the remediation of the situation, both in terms of improving nuclear safety and the regulatory infrastructure as well as land decontamination and recovery."
Read the statement | Watch the video | Fukushima Press Kit

Dialogue with civil society in affected areas of Japan
With the co-operation of the NEA, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) organised a dialogue with residents of Data City, Japan on 25-26 February. This meeting was the second in a series of ICRP seminars that foster discussions among affected stakeholders in order to help identify priorities and to initiate rehabilitation programmes in follow-up to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. The agenda focused on past accomplishments, current challenges and future initiatives to improve the radiological situation and living conditions for local inhabitants. About 50 representatives of civil society as well as central, prefectoral and local governments attended along with 50 residents of Fukushima prefecture. Data City is a community that has been significantly affected by contamination from the Fukushima accident. During the meeting, ways to help improve the situation were identified, including common agreements on radiological criteria (e.g. food contamination levels), waste management approaches and criteria for successful remediation.

International meetings on remediation and restoration of environments
On 3-4 February 2012, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) co-organised two days of international meetings on The Experience and Technology of Russia, Ukraine and Other CIS Countries on Remediation and Restoration of Environments. Hosted by the Japanese government and organised by the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) and the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU), the meetings provided opportunities for experts from zones most affected by the Chernobyl accident to share best practices in managing contaminated land. Read the presentations here.

NEA meets with Japanese officials to discuss nuclear safety regulatory organisations
On 17-18 January 2012, an NEA team of international experts met in Tokyo with members of the Japanese Advisory Committee for Prevention of Nuclear Accidents and the special Japanese Task Force for the Reform of Nuclear Safety Regulations and Organisations to foster increased understanding of various national regulatory organisations and approaches to regulatory oversight of nuclear power facilities. Experts from Japan, France, Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) participated in an experts’ meeting on concepts and characteristics important to regulatory organisations and an international public workshop on nuclear safety regulation. Participants discussed different approaches to reforming areas recommended by the Advisory Committee, such as those concerning independence, regulatory oversight, crisis management, human resources and development, new safety regulations, transparency and international aspects for regulatory organisations. Presentations are available on the NEA Fukushima information exchange page.

Stephen G. Burns appointed Head of Legal Affairs at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency
Paris, 11 January 2012 - The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is pleased to announce that Mr. Stephen G. Burns has been appointed Head of Legal Affairs. Mr. Burns will provide legal opinions and secretariat services to the Nuclear Law Committee, advise NEA management on all legal aspects of the Agency’s operations, assist member countries in the establishment of international joint projects and contribute to the Agency's nuclear law information and education programmes. He will also provide legal assistance to the Contracting Parties to the Paris Convention on Third Party Liability in the field of nuclear energy and the Brussels Convention Supplementary to the Paris Convention. Read more...

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2011

Webcast: NEA organises peer review of Swedish spent fuel repository
At the request of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM), the NEA organised a panel of international experts to perform an independent peer review of the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB)’s reporting of post-closure safety in the license application for the spent nuclear fuel repository to be constructed in Forsmark. The NEA peer review supports the independent review by the Swedish decision makers by providing an international reference regarding the maturity of SKB’s spent fuel disposal program vis-à-vis the best practices in the area of long-term nuclear safety and radiation protection. Public hearings were held on 12, 13 and 15 December in which the NEA panel posed questions to SKB representatives. On 16 December, the NEA expert panel presented its preliminary conclusions on the peer review. Watch the webcast of the hearings and preliminary conclusions. The final review report is expected in May 2012.

The NEA meets with Japanese nuclear safety authorities to discuss stress tests
On 16-18 November 2011, an NEA team of international experts met in Tokyo with the Japanese Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) and the Japan Nuclear Energy Safety Organisation (JNES) to foster a better understanding by NISA and JNES of other NEA member countries' post-Fukushima national safety reviews (or "stress tests"), international guidance and review methodologies. The mission included a technical experts’ meeting for sharing information on national reviews, an international seminar on stress tests with the Japanese nuclear industry and public, and a meeting with an advisory committee supporting the regulatory reviews of licensee analyses as part of the Japanese stress tests. Experts from Japan, France, Finland, Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) participated in these meetings. Presentations are available on the NEA Fukushima information exchange page. This programme was part of the NEA’s ongoing commitment to support Japan following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident (see also the International Symposium on Decontamination: Towards the Recovery of the Environment).

Latest developments for the NEA
Several important issues were deliberated at the 123rd session of the Steering Committee for Nuclear Energy on 27-28 October. The Committee approved funding to support Fukushima-related activities and discussed various aspects of the accident and its implications for NEA work in a policy debate. It also addressed the official request received from the Russian Federation on 24 October to join the NEA. It agreed to send a fact-finding mission to the Russian Federation to inform its decision on membership, which it expects to take at its next meeting in April 2012. If the Russian Federation is granted membership, it will be the second such country (after the Republic of Korea in 1993) to accede to the NEA prior to joining the OECD. Among other highlights from the meeting, the Committee approved NEA co-sponsorship of the new "Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards", as adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors in September 2011 following several years of work on their revision.

International Symposium on Decontamination held in Fukushima, Japan
On 16 October 2011, the Government of Japan, in co-operation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and the Japan Nuclear Energy Safety Organisation (JNES), held an International Symposium on Decontamination – Towards the Recovery of the Environment, in Fukushima, Japan. Read more…

Video footage of the Symposium

Generation IV International Forum reaffirms commitment to improving the safety of new reactors
On 6-7 October 2011, the Policy Group of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF), for which the NEA serves as Technical Secretariat, met in Lucerne, Switzerland. Following on from the Fukushima Daiichi accident, the GIF stated that it is essential for the next generation of nuclear power plants, anticipated for commercial deployment post-2030, to be designed with the best available safety knowledge that reflects worldwide operational experience and society’s expectations. Read more…

Top nuclear regulators meet to discuss safety of new reactors
16 September 2011 - Over 120 nuclear regulatory and industry experts met in Paris on 15-16 September to discuss the accomplishments of the Multinational Design Evaluation Programme (MDEP) and the future of global nuclear safety. The conference comes at a challenging time following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident.
Press conference video

Accident at Centraco near Marcoule, France
12 September 2011 – An accident occurred at the Centre for treatment and conditioning of low-level radioactive waste (Centraco) located in Codolet near Marcoule, France, involving the explosion of a furnace. As a consequence, one person died and four were injured, one of them seriously (see ASN Press release No. 1: Information on the accident in Centraco (Gard) for further details). The event did not involve any radiological issues and no protective actions were required for the population. Emergency measures were undertaken by the ASN and the operator. The situation is now under control and follow-up inspections will be conducted (see Press Release No. 2: End of the event in Centraco (Gard) ).

New policy recommendations on the security of supply of medical radioisotopes
23 June 2011 – The NEA High-level Group on the Security of Supply of Medical Radioisotopes (HLG-MR) has just released its final report and policy approach to address barriers to the long-term secure supply of medical radioisotopes as well as a study on future medical radioisotope demand. The NEA will continue its work in the field with a focus on policy implementation.

Nuclear regulatory authorities decide on follow-up to the Fukushima Daiichi accident
8 June 2011 – The nuclear regulatory authorities of the G8, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) member countries and associated countries participated in the Forum on the Fukushima Accident: Insights and Approaches to discuss insights gained in relation to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident and to decide on appropriate follow-up actions at the international level. Press conference video

New avenues for improving international nuclear safety
7 June 2011 – Co-organised by the French Presidency of the G8 and the NEA, and with 37 countries invited at the ministerial level, the International Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Safety following the Fukushima Accident enabled important discussions on how to reinforce international co-operation and international legal frameworks on nuclear safety. More information is available at the French Ministry for Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing .

Slovenia joins the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency
12 May 2011 – The Republic of Slovenia has became the 30th member country of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency.

Medical radioisotopes: governments and industry must change practices to ensure security of supply
2 May 2011 – The OECD/NEA Steering Committee for Nuclear Energy calls on governments and industry to work together to implement fundamental changes in the molybdenum-99 supply chain to ensure long-term reliability of supply.

25 years after the Chernobyl accident
22 April 2011 – An INES level 7 accident occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the former Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic on 26 April 1986.

Message from the OECD/NEA Director-General on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident
16 March 2011 – "On behalf of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA), I wish to express my condolences to the Japanese people who are being affected by one of the worst natural disasters of the century."

OECD/NEA Director-General speaks during a public hearing at the French Parliament
16 March 2011 – At a hearing organised by France's Office for Scientific and Technological Choices, OECD/NEA Director-General Luis Echávarri declared that the NEA had offered its complete assistance to the Japanese government in its areas of expertise.

Earthquake and tsunami in Japan: the status of nuclear reactors and radioactive releases
11 March 2011 – A major earthquake of magnitude 9.0 has struck north-eastern Japan. For the latest information concerning the status of nuclear reactors and radioactive releases, see the following page.

The NEA launches International Nuclear Law Essentials
28 February 2011 – International Nuclear Law Essentials (INLE). The INLE is a one-week comprehensive, high-quality course in international nuclear law that is geared towards professionals with a busy schedule. The first session of the INLE will take place on 3-7 October 2011.

NEA mission to Canada
23-24 February 2011 – NEA Director-General Luis Echávarri met with officials in Ottawa, Canada to discuss recent developments in nuclear energy from both the Canadian and international perspectives.

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2010

Nuclear energy’s role in the security of energy supply
According to a study just published by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) on The Security of Energy Supply and the Contribution of Nuclear Energy, together with improvements in energy efficiency, nuclear energy has contributed significantly over the past 40 years to energy diversification and enhanced energy supply security in many OECD countries.

Poland joins the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency
Poland has become the 29th member country of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency.

The International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES): 20 years of nuclear communication
On 14 October, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES). Developed in the aftermath of the Chernobyl accident, INES helps nuclear and radiation safety authorities and the nuclear industry worldwide rate nuclear and radiological events and communicate their safety significance to the general public, the media and the technical community.

The economic structure of the medical isotope supply chain: the underlying explanation for the shortage
The current economics of the supply chain of the most widely used medical radioisotope are not adequate for supporting new investment. This is the central finding of The Supply of Medical Radioisotopes: An Economic Study of the Molybdenum-99 Supply Chain, published today by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA).

10th anniversary of the Forum on Stakeholder Confidence
On 15 September, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Forum on Stakeholder Confidence (FSC). A one-day open colloquium in Paris was organised to take stock of FSC achievements, conduct a multi-stakeholder discussion of important governance themes in radioactive waste management, and gather guidance on new directions to be taken by the FSC in the coming years.

10th anniversary of the International School of Nuclear Law
On 23 August, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the University of Montpellier 1 in France proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of the International School of Nuclear Law (ISNL).

Latest data shows long-term security of uranium supply
According to Uranium 2009: Resources, Production and Demand just published by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), uranium resources, production and demand are all on the rise. Exploration efforts have increased recently in line with the expected expansion of nuclear energy in the coming years. Total identified resources have grown but so too have costs of production.

Chairman of the NEA Steering Committee for Nuclear Energy receives Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award
Richard J.K. Stratford, Director of the Office of Nuclear Energy, Safety and Security, Bureau of International Security and Non-proliferation, U.S. Department of State and Chairman of the NEA Steering Committee for Nuclear Energy, was honoured with the Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award. The Smyth Award is the highest recognition given jointly by the American Nuclear Society and the Nuclear Energy Institute.

NEA Director-General receives the 2010 EURELECTRIC award
Luis E. Echávarri was chosen as this year’s recipient of the EURELECTRIC award which distinguishes outstanding contributions in the electricity sector. This is a personal recognition of Mr. Echávarri in relation to his role as OECD/NEA Director-General and his career during which he has highlighted the contribution of nuclear power to security of energy supply at competitive costs and the development of a low-carbon economy.

Expansion of nuclear energy is a key contributor to combating climate change
Almost one quarter of global electricity could be generated from nuclear power by 2050, making a major contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This is the central finding of the Nuclear Energy Technology Roadmap, published today by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). 16 June 2010

The Projected Costs of Generating Electricity: 2010 Edition

International Conference on Access to Civil Nuclear Energy

Opening speech by Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic (video in French)
Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General: Introductory speech | Full speech
Statement by Yukiya Amano, IAEA Director-General
Speech by José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission (in French)
Luis Echávarri, NEA Director-General, moderator of the roundtable on How to finance a nuclear programme?
Closing speech by François Fillon, Prime Minister of France (in French)
Closing speech by Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General (in French)
See all the photos of the conference

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2009

Securing vital supplies of medical radioisotopes 16 December
The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) High-level Group on the Security of Supply of Medical Radioisotopes (HLG-MR), chaired by Serge Dupont, Deputy Minister in the Government of Canada, has just concluded its second meeting in Paris, France.

Nuclear energy and addressing climate change
The need to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in an effort to tackle climate change has become a major driver of energy policy. Indeed, many believe that an "energy revolution" is needed to decarbonise energy supply, which is heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

Top regulators take important steps to enhance the safety of new nuclear reactor designs 14 September
Top nuclear regulators have met at the OECD, in Paris, with vendors, operators and standards organisations, taking important steps to enhance global nuclear safety.

Nuclear electricity generation remains stable despite the economic crisis 9 September
According to official data released today by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), nuclear electricity generation in OECD member countries has only marginally declined despite the economic downturn. Nuclear power plants provided 21.5% of the total electricity generated in the OECD area in 2008 against 21.6% in 2007.

Nuclear energy in the 21st century: safe, clean and affordable 20 April
At the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Energy in the 21st Century, which opened today in Beijing, China, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría highlighted that "Clean and affordable energy, including access to safe and secure nuclear power, should be a central element of our efforts... not only for a sustainable economy, but also for the future of our planet."

Keynote speech by Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General, at the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Energy in the 21st Century

Security of Supply of Medical Radioisotopes
At a workshop organised by the NEA on 29-30 January 2009, participants recognised the vulnerability of the global medical isotope supply chain and identified measures to enhance short-term supply security.

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2008

The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency at Fifty 16 October
An international array of some 250 dignitaries and government experts in the field of nuclear energy gathered in Paris on 16 October 2008 to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the NEA and to discuss the future use of nuclear power for peaceful purposes.

The Outlook for Nuclear Energy 16 October
With the launch today of its first Nuclear Energy Outlook, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) makes an important contribution to ongoing discussions of nuclear energy’s potential role in the energy mixes of its member countries.

Energy, Environment, Climate Change: Unlocking the Potential for Innovation
Keynote speech by Angel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General, during the World Energy Council: Energy Leaders Summit, London, UK, 16 September 2008

New nuclear energy data released 16 July
According to the latest official figures released today by the NEA, nuclear power plants provided 21.6% of the electricity generated in OECD countries, as compared to 22.9% in 2006. This was despite record production at nuclear power plants in Finland, Hungary and the United States, which did not offset reduced output in France, Germany and Japan and plant closures in the Slovak Republic and the United Kingdom. Total nuclear electricity production was 2 172 TWh in 2007, about 3.6% less than the previous year.

NEA nuclear safety project celebrates 50 years of operation 11 June
The OECD/NEA Halden Reactor Project is celebrating 50 years of continuous operation today with a ceremony in Oslo, Norway. Under the auspices of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), the research being done in the project helps improve the safety of nuclear power plants. It is the Agency's longest-running and largest joint project with an annual budget of EUR 15 million.

Uranium resources sufficient to meet projected nuclear energy requirements long into the future 3 June
There is enough uranium known to exist to fuel the world's fleet of nuclear reactors at current consumption rates for at least a century, according to the latest edition of the world reference on uranium published today.

Nuclear safety initiative enters new phase 7 March
Heads of the nuclear regulatory agencies of ten countries met this week at the NEA to discuss progress in an important international initiative, the Multinational Design Evaluation Programme (MDEP). During the meeting chaired by Mr. André-Claude Lacoste, Chairman of the French Nuclear Safety Authority, the regulators agreed to enter a new phase of co-operation and launch a programme of work, including design-specific and issue-specific activities, where results are expected in the short term.

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2007

OECD/NEA countries adopt a statement about qualified human resources in the nuclear field 14 November
Representatives from OECD/NEA member countries have unanimously adopted a statement on the need for qualified human resources in the nuclear field. The adoption of this statement reflects their concerns about the difficulties nuclear institutions in many OECD/NEA member countries are experiencing in recruiting qualified specialists.

Janice Dunn Lee appointed new Deputy Director-General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency 23 July
The OECD Secretary-General, Mr. Angel Gurría, is pleased to announce the appointment of Janice Dunn Lee as Deputy Director-General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). Ms. Dunn Lee takes up her duties at the NEA on 23 July 2007.

New NEA study explores the risks and benefits of nuclear energy 20 June
With the publication today of Risks and Benefits of Nuclear Energy, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) provides a useful new aid for decision makers. The study brings together authoritative information and illustrative data on how the risks and benefits of nuclear energy might be assessed in the light of sustainable development goals.

New nuclear energy data released 14 June
According to the latest official figures released today by the NEA, total electricity generation in OECD countries rose to just over 9 867 TWh in 2006, about 0.5% above 2005. Nuclear power plants provided 23.1% of this electricity, as compared to 22.8% in 2005. Nuclear electricity generation in the OECD area provided 2 278 TWh in 2006, about 1.8% more than the previous year.

The NEA and the Russian Federation sign a Joint Declaration on Co-operation
A joint declaration on co-operation was signed today in Moscow during a ceremony attended by officials from the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the Russian Federation agencies involved in its implementation. Konstantin Pulikovsky, Chairman of the Federal Environmental, Industrial and Nuclear Supervision Service (Rostechnadzor), signed on behalf of the Russian Federation and Director-General Luis Echávarri signed on behalf of the NEA.

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2006

NEA provides support for new stage of nuclear safety initiative 9 November
The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is supporting a new stage of an important international initiative, the Multinational Design Evaluation Programme (MDEP). The MDEP was set up to share the resources and knowledge accumulated by national nuclear regulatory authorities during their assessment of new reactor designs, with the aim of improving both the efficiency and the effectiveness of the process.

Uranium supply adequate to meet demand 5 September
The most complete record of the uranium industry to be published to date concludes that uranium supply will remain adequate to meet demand. Forty Years of Uranium Resources, Production and Demand in Perspective, published today by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), draws on the twenty editions of Uranium Resources Production and Demand (also known as the "Red Book") released since 1965.

New nuclear energy data just released 27 June
According to the latest official figures released today by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), total electricity generation in OECD countries rose to almost 9 620 TWh in 2005, about 1.9% above 2004. Nuclear power plants provided 23.2% of this electricity, as compared to 23.9% in 2004. At the start of 2006, there were 352 nuclear units in operation in 17 OECD countries.

Uranium resources: plenty to sustain growth of nuclear power 1 June
Global uranium resources are more than adequate to meet projected requirements, says the latest edition of the recognised world reference on uranium published today.

New studies mark twenty years since the Chernobyl accident 11 April
The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) is marking twenty years since the Chernobyl accident with two new publications: Stakeholders and Radiological Protection: Lessons from Chernobyl Twenty Years After demonstrates the importance of local involvement in addressing the needs of affected populations to reduce their radiation dose. International Nuclear Law in the Post-Chernobyl Period, jointly published with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is a compendium of articles on international nuclear law initiatives since Chernobyl.

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2005

New nuclear energy data just released 3 June
The latest official figures released by the NEA today reveal that, at the start of 2005, there were 352 nuclear units in operation in 17 OECD member countries, seven less than the year before. However, despite this reduction, nuclear generating capacity in the OECD increased by almost 1% and nuclear-generated electricity increased by over 4% over the previous year.

New figures on the costs of generating electricity released today 16 March
A new study of the costs of generating electricity was published today by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA). Previous editions of Projected Costs of Generating Electricity have served as the reference in this field for energy policy makers, electricity system analysts and energy economists. The study is particularly timely in the light of current discussions of energy policy in many countries.

International Ministerial Conference "Nuclear Power for the 21st Century" 17 February
Paris, 21-22 March 2005
Ministers from 29 countries have confirmed they will attend a two day conference in Paris, March 21-22, "Nuclear Power for the 21st Century", organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and hosted by the Government of France in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA).

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2004

The economic case for nuclear energy is compelling 25 November
During a panel debate today in Brussels , Belgium , Luis Echávarri, Director-General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) said that "the competitiveness of nuclear energy continues to improve. If the decision to include nuclear in the energy mix is made on economic grounds alone, then the case for nuclear energy can be compelling." Mr. Echávarri's comments came during the panel debate "Nuclear: A persuasive economic option", organised as part of the European Nuclear Assembly.

Debate on nuclear energy sparks significant interest 8 September
During a session of the World Energy Congress that he chaired earlier today, Luis Echávarri, Director-General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), stated that "this debate on nuclear energy could not be timelier. The coming years will be crucial in determining what contribution nuclear energy will make to the world energy supply and to sustainable development. Experience shows that as a large-scale, nearly carbon-free energy source, it is one of the cheapest ways to reduce GHG emissions."

New data and projections on uranium just released 5 July
In the just-published Uranium 2003: Resources, Production and Demand (also known as the "Red Book"), the world uranium resource base is found to be adequate to meet future projected requirements. Questions remain however, as to whether new production capacity can be developed within the time frame required to meet future uranium demand.

New 2003 nuclear energy data just released 14 June
The latest official figures released today by the NEA reveal that nuclear electricity generation in OECD member countries decreased by nearly 2% in 2003 in comparison with 2002. Prolonged inspections and maintenance outages in Japan and the United States were the main reasons for the fall in overall nuclear electricity production. Despite this decrease, nuclear power plants still provided some 23 % of total electricity generated in OECD member countries in 2003.

Expert review gives high marks to a Swiss safety study on a radioactive waste disposal concept 27 April
The NEA has just released a report entitled Safety of Disposal of Spent Fuel, High-level Waste and Long-lived Intermediate Level Waste in Switzerland. This document brings together the results of an international, independent peer review that examined the post-closure radiological safety assessment for disposal in the Opalinus Clay of the Zürcher Weinland. (27 April 2004)

New report reviews the role of government in the field of nuclear energy 14 April
The NEA just released a report that addresses the roles and responsibilities of government in the field of nuclear energy. It provides data and analyses on how these have evolved and identifies future challenges for governments, particularly with respect to the development of competition in electricity markets.

Dr. Gail Marcus appointed new Deputy Director-General of the NEA 5 April
The Secretary-General of the OECD, Mr. Donald Johnston, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gail H. Marcus as Deputy Director-General of the NEA, succeeding Ms. Carol Kessler. Dr. Marcus takes up her duties at the NEA on 5 April 2004.

Revised Nuclear Third Party Liability Conventions improve victims' rights to compensation 10 February
The signing of the Protocols to amend the Paris Convention on Third Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy and the Brussels Convention Supplementary to the Paris Convention will take place on 12 February, at OECD headquarters. The revised Conventions will allow for a considerable increase in the amount of compensation available to victims of a nuclear accident and for the expansion of the scope of application of the Paris Convention. (11 February 2004).

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2003

Plutonium management in the medium term 24 November
Plutonium Management in the Medium Term, a new NEA report, reviews the technical options available for plutonium management from the present up to the point at which a fully sustainable fuel cycle is eventually established. Describing the various proposals that have been made in recent years, this report presents a discussion of the rationale, technical attributes, capabilities and current status of each.

An international meeting discusses the role of supercomputing in nuclear applications 6 October
The role and benefits of high-performance computing in complex simulations carried out by researchers, industry and universities in the specific field of nuclear applications were the subject of expert discussions at the Fifth International Conference on Supercomputing in Nuclear Applications (SNA-2003), held in Paris on 22-24 September 2003.

Planning ahead for future decommissioning of nuclear power plants 10 September
A new report on Decommissioning Nuclear Power Plants released by the NEA analyses the relationships between nuclear power plant decommissioning policies as developed by governments, decommissioning strategies as proposed by industry and the resulting decommissioning costs.

The Nuclear Energy Agency reviews the French R&D programme on deep geological disposal of radioactive waste 29 August
The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has just released the report of an International Peer Review of the so-called "Dossier 2001 Argile" which the French Government had requested the NEA to submit to a high-level international evaluation.

Just published: Nuclear Energy Today 23 August
The NEA announces the publication of a new report Nuclear Energy Today, which aims to provide, in a simple, short and clear style, authoritative and factual information on the main aspects of nuclear energy in today’s world.

Measuring, assessing and communicating regulatory effectiveness (MACRE 2003) 27 June
Under the aegis of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), heads of OECD member country nuclear regulatory authorities met on 17-18 June 2003 with high-level government officials and executives from the nuclear industry to exchange perspectives on measuring, assessing and communicating nuclear regulatory effectiveness.

The 2002 Annual Report of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) 26 June
In its 2002 Annual Report published today, the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) notes that during the year the nuclear option was brought back on the agenda of several energy policy makers in Europe and North America.

Nuclear energy data to 2020 in OECD countries 6 June
In 2002, nuclear electricity generation remained at the same level as in 2001, with a total output of nearly 2 170 terawatt-hours (TWh), representing 23.8% of total electricity generation in OECD countries. Seventeen OECD countries have nuclear power plants in operation providing between 4% (in the Netherlands) and 78% (in France) of their electricity generation.

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