Overview of IAEA spent fuel management activities

This paper summarizes activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) relevant to the application of burnup credit in the backend of the nuclear fuel cycle. It highlights related work in spent fuel management that the IAEA has carried out for the past twenty-five years. It summarizes efforts initiated in 1997 to establish a forum for exchange of technical information and thereby compile state-of-the-art information on advances in burnup credit applications. It summarizes global trends that motivate Member State interest in pursuing the efficiencies and attendant cost savings that burnup credit applications offer. It clarifies that the IAEA is committed to maintaining a high priority for these burnup credit activities. (author)