Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Section

In recent years, activities related to the nuclear fuel cycle have expanded globally. In addition, the complexity of the nuclear fuel cycle market has increased with the emergence of new providers of fuel cycle services. In this context a need was perceived for a compilation of country profiles on nuclear fuel cycle activities in a form which could be easily understood both by experts and by the public, and which should lead to a greater understanding of these activities worldwide. Furthermore, such information would improve the transparency of nuclear energy development in general.

In response, the Agency published Country Nuclear Fuel Cycle Profiles (Technical Report Series No. 404) in 2001, presenting the status of the nuclear fuel cycle at the end of 1999 and Country Nuclear Fuel Cycle Profiles – Second Edition (Technical Report Series No. 425) in 2005, presenting the status at the end of 2002. These publications are expected to be revised every three years.