Technical Working Group on Nuclear Power Infrastructure (TWG-NPI)

Background

The Technical Working Group on Nuclear Power Infrastructure (TWG-NPI) is a group of experts from countries with established national nuclear power programmes (NNPPs) and those considering or starting such programmes, constituted to provide advice to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and thereby support the development and implementation of NNPPs.

Scope

The work of the TWG-NPI is focused on the development and implementation of NNPPs and gives due recognition to all relevant aspects of infrastructure, as described in the relevant IAEA documents for the introduction of nuclear power.

Activities

During events of the TWG-NPI, the IAEA and TWG-NPI members will provide updates on the latest and future nuclear power infrastructure developments to enable the TWG-NPI to:

•  Provide guidance to the IAEA on approaches, strategy, and policy and implementing actions for the establishment of a NNPP;
• Assist the IAEA in the evaluation of experience gained from its support activities and missions, as well as of feedback received on the use of IAEA' s documents, and to provide advice on the adjustment and optimization of IAEA's actions and approaches accordingly;
• Share information on developments and activities in Member States, including regarding bilateral assistance and national efforts, and to explore ways of coordinating IAEA and non-IAEA assistance.

Functions

Advise IAEA on common approaches for assistance and review missions, and provide feedback and evaluation of effectiveness of IAEA' s activities in the:

• Development of appropriate technical documents;
• Development of materials and other reference support for activities assisting Member States;
• Optimization of IAEA approaches and practices with regard to the nuclear infrastructure development activities and guidance;

Consider, recommend, guide and request development of missing documents and updating of obsolete documents;

Review the technical content of documents of IAEA Nuclear Energy Series prepared for the support of countries considering or introducing a NNPP;

Identify important current topics for discussions and contribute to planning activities for the medium term;

Provide a forum for information and knowledge sharing on national and international developments in the area of NNPP development;

Identify important topics for discussion by the Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Energy (SAGNE), the Nuclear Power Support Group (NPSG), relevant technical working groups of the Department of Nuclear Energy, for example the Technical Working Group on Managing Human Resources in the Field of Nuclear Energy (TWG-MHR), the Technical Working Group on Small and Medium Sized or Modular Reactors (TWG-SMR), and the Technical Working Group on Nuclear Knowledge Management (TWG-NKM), and other IAEA advisory groups, as well as discussions with advisory groups outside of the IAEA.

Membership

The members of TWG-NPI come from Member States with operating or expanding nuclear power programmes and those considering or starting such programmes. They are appointed by the IAEA Deputy Director General, Head of Department of Nuclear Energy, following consultation with the respective national authorities and relevant organizations in these Member States.

Term Duration

4 years, 2020-2023