IAEA International Conference on the Management of Spent Fuel from Nuclear Power Reactors 2024

The scope of the conference covers the management of spent fuel from nuclear power reactors and the steps being taken to enable the safe and effective deployment of new reactor technologies.

The purpose of the conference is to provide a forum for the exchange of information on national SNF management strategies and on how the management of spent fuel will support the role that nuclear energy could play in a changing energy mix. Whether countries are moving toward nuclear energy to mitigate climate change and meet their national energy goals or moving away from nuclear energy and are concerned about the legacy of its use, the world has reached a pivotal moment. Those who manage spent nuclear fuel must rise to the challenge of meeting the moment.

Following on the theme of the 2019 conference, this new edition aims to illustrate the benefits of an integrated approach to the nuclear fuel cycle on the management of spent fuel from power reactors, and the potential impact of the deployment of advanced reactors (e.g., SMRs) with new fuel types, considering technological developments, regulatory requirements, safety, security, safeguards, economics, etc.

The conference will also allow for the evaluation of advances in the management of spent fuel from power reactors to overcome current issues and will identify strategies and anticipated challenges to be addressed in preparation for the future.