For nuclear power to be sustainable, the nuclear fuel cycle must be sustainable. The increasing use of nuclear power puts stringent demands on nuclear fuel cycle activities and on understanding the behaviour of materials used in nuclear reactors.

The Issues

Concerted efforts are needed to

• increase sustainable uranium production
• better utilize uranium resources
• improve nuclear fuel performance
• properly manage spent fuel through long term storage and/or reprocessing and recycling
• develop materials, fuels and fuel cycles for new, innovative nuclear reactors

The IAEA's Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Material activities support Member States in addressing these issues and contribute to the sustainable development of nuclear power.

The Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section

Our work covers the nuclear fuel cycle from 'cradle to grave', focussing on production of nuclear-grade uranium; fabrication and in-reactor performance of nuclear fuel; management of spent nuclear fuel; and advanced fuel cycles including recycling.

Activities supporting the management of nuclear waste are run by the Waste Technology Section and activities supporting research reactors by the Research Reactor Section.

The Integrated Nuclear Fuel Cycle Information System (iNFCIS) offers access to several nuclear fuel cycle related databases and a simulation system for long-term projections of nuclear fuel cycle material and service requirements.