Contemporary strategy for external nuclear fuel cycle development: An analysis of the work of the IAEA NMFCTS

The section's program includes four basic areas of activity: (1) nuclear fuel ore resources; (2) processing nuclear and reactor materials; (3) reactor fuel design, fabrication and behavior; and (4) spent nuclear fuel handling. The paper discusses the present-day condition and tendencies in the development of the nuclear fuel cycle and characteristics of international collaboration, including initial stages of the reactor fuel cycle, reactor fuel technology, and spent nuclear fuel handling. In recent years, the IAEA has made active efforts to improve international collaboration in accord with contemporary needs, and the purpose of this survey consists of showing a few concrete results achieved by the NMFCTS in this regard