Fuel cycle scenarios involve analysing and planning various processes in nuclear energy production – from uranium resources to managing spent fuel – to optimise efficiency, safety and sustainability. Developing strategies for these scenarios is crucial to ensure resource availability, minimise environmental impact, and address energy security concerns. The NEA Expert Group on Advanced Fuel Cycle Scenarios (EGAFCS), which plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of nuclear fuel cycle strategies, held its 42nd meeting at the OECD headquarters in Paris on 26-27 February 2025.
The meeting brought together leading international experts to assess ongoing initiatives related to nuclear fuel cycles and discuss important and timely initiatives regarding some countries’ goal of tripling nuclear capacity worldwide.
The participants discussed the following key points, among others:
- AIxpertise, the NEA Nuclear Science Committee (NSC) joint project aiming to build a structured, collaborative platform for experts to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for the nuclear energy sector with robustness and transparency;
- the Fuel Cycle Scenario Code Catalogue, and how to maintain and update this recently launched NEA product; and
- a new international initiative to evaluate the impact of various fuel cycles on the front end, back end, and economic parameters of the fuel cycle as countries aim to triple nuclear capacity by 2050.
The EGAFCS operates under the auspices of the NEA Working Party on Scientific Issues of Advanced Fuel Cycles (WPFC). By promoting data-driven decision making and collaborative research efforts, it aims to drive progress towards a safe, efficient and sustainable nuclear future.
