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The Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services Working Group (Working Group) of The International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) held a meeting and workshop in Vienna, Austria on February 23-24, 2010

The Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services Working Group (Working Group) of The International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) held a meeting and workshop in Vienna, Austria on February 23-24, 2010, to exchange views on pathways and constraints that suppliers and users might have in particular with regard to legal, political, and commercial considerations to support the establishment of reliable comprehensive fuel service arrangements. In attendance were representatives from 14 IFNEC Participant Countries and 5 Observer Countries. The International Atomic Energy Agency was also represented (IAEA).

A highlight of the meeting was a workshop on the role of the nuclear industry in assurance of nuclear fuel cycle services to their customers. Representatives of Cameco Corporation (Canada), GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (United Sates), Kozluduy NPP Plc. (Bulgaria), Ux Consulting LLC (United States), WM Mining (United States), and the World Nuclear Association presented industry views.

The industry session was followed by government representatives of Italy, Japan, and the United States describing legal and regulatory aspects relevant to their respective countries.

The Working Group was established to carry out work to reach the objective of establishing international frameworks to enhance reliable, cost-effective fuel services and supplies to the world market, providing for options for generating nuclear energy and fostering development while reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation by creating a viable alternative to acquisition of sensitive fuel cycle technologies.

 

THE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP (IDWG) OF The International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation HELD ITS FIFTH MEETING ON DECEMBER 9-10, 2009, IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA

The IFNEC Infrastructure Development Working Group (IDWG) held its fifth meeting on December 9, 2009, in Vienna, Austria with a Resources and Gaps Workshop on nuclear power plant and waste management financing on December 10.  Approximately 85 representatives from IFNEC participant and observer countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency, international organizations, business and academia attended the meeting and workshop.

At the IDWG meeting, participants discussed priorities and activities the IDWG is undertaking in several activity areas.  The IDWG’s Subgroup on Radioactive Waste Management presented the results of three studies performed by participant countries on funding approaches, interactions with public stakeholders, and a review of current R&D efforts to gain a common understanding of R&D gaps in the area of waste management, decommissioning, and clean-up. Participants also discussed current activities and next steps in the areas of human resource development, infrastructure assessments, and the IDWG’s on-line Resource Library.  Updates were also provided on the status of small and medium reactor designs and ongoing efforts by external entities in the area of international nuclear safety.

During the second day of the meeting, the IDWG held a Resources and Gaps Workshop focusing on financing for nuclear power plant construction and radioactive waste management.  Panels featured speakers from government, the financial sector, the nuclear industry, and international organizations addressing current financing options and challenges, risk management strategies, risk allocation, the role of government and other considerations such as regional approaches, radioactive waste management and the importance of an international nuclear liability regime.

The objective of the IDWG is to facilitate the development of the infrastructure needed for the use of clean, sustainable, nuclear energy worldwide in a safe and secure manner, while at the same time reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation.

CHINA HOSTS GNEP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING IN BEIJING ON OCTOBER 23, 2009

The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership held its third Executive Committee Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, China on October 23, 2009. The meeting was hosted by GNEP partner China and chaired by Zhang Guobao, Director of China’s National Energy Administration.

Forty-three countries attended the meeting along with two GNEP observer organizations, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Generation IV International Forum. The partners welcomed three new countries as GNEP observers: Kenya, Mongolia and Uganda.

During the meeting, the Executive Committee received status reports from the Chairs of the GNEP Steering Group and the Infrastructure Development and Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services Working Groups. The working groups have made significant progress in the past year and have expanded their engagement with industry, universities and other external entities while continuing to coordinate closely with the IAEA.

The Steering Group reported on its creation of a revised Action Plan to reflect modified GNEP procedures and expanded working group structures, the approval of a Radioactive Waste Management Sub-Group and small and medium reactor activity area under the Infrastructure Development Working Group, and the drafting of a Joint Statement that was issued by the Executive Committee at the conclusion of the meeting.

The Infrastructure Development Working Group (IDWG) reported on its progress analyzing global human resources needs, the creation of a Human Resources Modeling Tool, enhancements of the on-line Resource Library, and completion of an infrastructure assessment in Jordan and the beginning of another in Ghana. In addition, the IDWG held Resources and Gaps Workshops on human resources development and small and medium reactors. Finally, it created a Subgroup on Radioactive Waste Management and began activities in that area.

The Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services Working Group reported on studies provided by its sub-group on Lessons Learned and Resource Requirements; the creation of a sub-group on Assurances a Country Should Seek as Sufficient for Nuclear Fuel Supply; and the development of a work scope for the sub-group on Approaches for Selecting Back-End Fuel Cycle Options. It hosted a workshop on the impact of fuel fabrication on fuel supply assurance which included the findings of an expert study on the international fuel fabrication market.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the GNEP partner countries issued a Joint Statement that highlighted the important role that nuclear energy can play in addressing global climate challenges and energy security and that safety, security and non-proliferation/safeguards are fundamental prerequisites for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. In addition, the Joint Statement recognized that because of global developments that have occurred since the Partnership was established in September 2007, transformation of GNEP is necessary to provide a broader scope with wider participation. Therefore, the Executive Committee will explore some Partners’ proposals to rename the Partnership and examine a draft vision statement, acceptance of which would be the sole action required of states to participate in future activities. The Executive Committee tasked the Steering Group to act accordingly and to review the GNEP operational structure in order to adjust it to a possible new cooperation approach and to submit its finalized proposal to the Executive Committee by April 2010.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP (IDWG) OF THE GLOBAL NUCLEAR ENERGY PARTNERSHIP HELD ITS FOURTH MEETING DURING MAY 18-20, 2009 IN MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM

Eighteen GNEP Participant and Observer countries and representatives from Observer organizations, International Atomic Energy Agency and Generation IV International Forum, participated in the meeting. The countries represented included Argentina, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, China, France, Ghana, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Oman, Poland, Romania, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. In addition senior executives from industry (Hyperion Power, NuScale Power, Toshiba, Urenco, Westinghouse) and several representatives from universities (Technical University - Sofia, Texas A&M University, University of Manchester) and other international organizations such as the European Nuclear Education Network provided important contributions.

During the meeting, Participant Countries described progress on IDWG activities associated with radioactive waste management, human resource development, developing a perspective on global human resource needs, continued development of the on-line Resource Library and the results and lessons learned associated with assessments of readiness for implementation of nuclear energy.

The meeting also included a workshop on small and medium reactors (SMRs) during which IDWG countries and the SMR vendors shared information regarding global design development status, perceived needs for SMRs, the certification process, certification status of SMR designs, and the infrastructure requirements for SMRs.

The IDWG is working to provide support for development of nuclear infrastructure for the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy while reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation and responsibly managing waste.

GNEP STEERING GROUP HOLDS FOURTH MEETING IN TOKYO

The fourth Global Nuclear Energy Steering Group meeting was successfully held in Tokyo, Japan on April 7-8, 2009.  Japan performed its role as host in a superb manner.  The welcoming address was provided by Dr. Kondo, Chairman of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency.  Participant and Observer countries from regions throughout the world representing all stages of nuclear energy development participated, including:  Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Hungary, Japan, Jordan, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.  In addition, the IAEA and Generation IV International Forum participated as permanent Inter-governmental Observers.  The Steering Group made substantial progress by completing its update to the GNEP Steering Group Action Plan for 2009, agreeing on key areas for the expert Working Groups on Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services and Infrastructure Development to focus on and prioritize, and initiating preparations for the next GNEP Executive Committee Ministerial-level Meeting that will be hosted and Chaired by China on October 23, 2009, in Beijing.    

The Chair of the Infrastructure Development Working Group (IDWG) provided a comprehensive presentation on its activities.  Near-term future IDWG activities include a meeting to be held in Manchester, United Kingdom May 18-19, 2009.  The agenda will focus on human resource development, which will include the establishment of a human resource development program and a demonstration of human resource modeling.  A discussion on Radioactive Waste Management will take place as well.  On May 20, there will be an IDWG workshop on Small and Medium Reactors.  The IDWG intends to build partnerships with industry, academia and other entities where appropriate.  In particular, Steering Group members approved interaction with specialist organizations such as the European Nuclear Education Network, World Nuclear University, European Nuclear Society, Pacific Nuclear Council and the World Association of Nuclear Operators, which will contribute the richness and diversity of views.

A co-chair of the Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services Working Group (RNFSWG) presented a status of activities and next steps for the working group.  During the last meeting of the RNFSWG held on March 20, 2009, reports were presented by the subgroup on lessons learned and the perspectives for resource requirements and a draft work scope was submitted by the subgroup on criteria regarding back end fuel approaches.  A third subgroup was established on “Assurances a Country Should Seek as Sufficient for Fuel Supply.”  This subgroup will submit a draft work plan in advance of the next meeting planned for September 2009.  The RNFSWG is planning to invite industry to share its views on the diversity of fuel fabrication supply at a workshop to be held during the next meeting.

China announced that the IFNEC Executive Committee would be held October 23, 2009 in Beijing.  Presentations were given by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Generation IV International Forum.  These discussions reinforced the strong synergy between IFNEC and the IAEA and GIF. 

 

RELIABLE NUCLEAR FUEL SERVICES WORKING GROUP THIRD MEETING
CHERBOURG, FRANCE MARCH 19-20, 2009

The GNEP Working Group on Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services Working Group held its third meeting in Cherbourg, France, on March 20, 2009.  The meeting was hosted by the Government of France and Commissariat à l'énergie atomique and included a tour of the La Hague recycling plant hosted by Areva.  The meeting was chaired by the United States and attended by 20 representatives from 10 participant states (Australia, Bulgaria, China, France, Japan, Jordan, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, and the United States) as well as two international organizations (the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Generation IV International Forum).

The participants reviewed a report prepared jointly by Poland and France on the sustainability of resources to meet increased demand from new nuclear generating capacity.  Bulgaria, France, and the United States submitted reports on lessons learned on current practices applied to various aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle.  Plans were discussed for work activities on the back-end of the fuel cycle and on assurances a country should seek as sufficient for nuclear supply.  In continuing cooperation between the Working Group and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a representative of the IAEA accepted the invitation by the working group to speak on various activities of the agency regarding fuel assurances.  The Working Group decided to invite industry to hear its views on the diversity of fuel fabrication supply in a workshop to be held at the next meeting.  The next meeting of the Working Group is planned for early October 2009.  At this meeting, the Working Group would select a new chair to lead the group in 2010.

 

GNEP INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP HELD ITS THIRD MEETING

The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) Infrastructure Development Working Group (IDWG) held its third meeting and two workshops on December 8-9, 2008, in Vienna, Austria.  The new IDWG activities are pursuant to Executive Committee direction at the October 1, 2008 GNEP Ministerial Meeting in Paris, France. The IDWG included 70 participants from 22 countries, including representatives from industry and the educational community in GNEP endeavors for the first time. The agenda included the sharing of educational resources, the promotion of technical educational opportunities and the establishment of new programs by which nuclear energy issues can be properly supported by trained, educated, and quality personnel.

The first day’s activities involved identification of priorities and activities for the working group to pursue in 2009 and continued support for critical infrastructure needs such as human resource development and sharing of lessons learned.  In addition, for the first time, the IDWG held a workshop to address the challenges of managing radioactive waste in ways that meet the common interests and concerns of the GNEP participants and that are consistent with internationally-accepted principles of radioactive waste management and safety standards.  The workshop was a result of the GNEP participants’ unanimous support for a proposal by the United Kingdom that GNEP seek to facilitate strategies for the responsible management of nuclear wastes.

During the second day, the IDWG held a Resources and Gaps Workshop which focused on providing human resource development support in areas that included stakeholder engagement, legal and regulatory frameworks and reactor siting with the goal of promoting information sharing and discussion of ways that GNEP participants can enhance other efforts to promote human resource development solutions.    

GNEP’s infrastructure activities reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that the global expansion of civilian nuclear power is done safely and securely, while reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation and responsibly managing waste.

GNEP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HELD MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING IN PARIS, FRANCE ON OCTOBER 1, 2008

The Global Nuclear Energy Partnership concluded a highly successful GNEP Executive Committee Ministerial Meeting on October 1, 2008, in Paris. France, as a GNEP Participant, served as Host and Chair of the Executive Committee Ministerial Meeting. The GNEP Partnership expanded from 21 to 25 full Participant nations, as Armenia, Estonia, Morocco and Oman joined. A nearly equal number of GNEP Observer nations and organizations attended as well. Some of the Observer nations indicated that deliberations were underway to join as full Participants in the near future. The Executive Committee received status reports from the Chairs of the GNEP Steering Group and the Infrastructure Development and Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services Working Groups that reflected significant progress in just one year's time since the Partnership was formally established.

The Steering Group reported that a fully functional and operating three-tiered GNEP structure is now in place, and that the Steering Group and two Working Groups have all met at least twice each. The Steering Group Chair also reported that the Steering Group will give particular attention to building stronger partnerships between GNEP Participant countries and industry and reported that a White Paper on external interactions, including industry and academic institutions, had been agreed upon. The Infrastructure Development Working Group announced that a Virtual Library consisting documents and information useful to those Participant countries considering development of nuclear energy for the first time, and also reported that feasibility studies were underway for two of GNEP's Participant countries considering deployment of nuclear energy for the first time. The Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services Working Group Chair reported that it had completed a survey among Participant countries on fuel services issues to better understand the challenges and barriers to realize GNEP-envisioned global fuel services and also reported that particular focus will now be given to the back-end fuel services. Following the reports, the Executive Committee discussed the need to focus on radioactive waste management, initially under the Infrastructure Development Working Group, and issued a Joint Statement that highlighted the important role that nuclear energy will play in addressing global climate challenges as a clean and reliable source of energy.

Regarding the next GNEP Executive Committee Meeting, the People’s Republic of China, as an original founder of GNEP, accepted the proposal that it serve as the Host and Chair of the next GNEP Executive Committee Meeting in 2009.