Introduction

Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technologies offer unique opportunities for advanced nuclear energy systems with the potential for closed fuel cycle operation. However, the successful development, licensing, and deployment of MSRs require, among other considerations, a clear and consistent understanding of the fuel cycle processes involved. This need was highlighted during the International Workshop on the Chemistry of Fuel Cycles for Molten Salt Reactor Technologies jointly organized by the OECD/NEA and the IAEA in October 2023. During the Workshop, the necessity for preparing a taxonomy of the different fuel cycles associated to the different MSR technologies was highlighted. This effort would build on the MSR taxonomy described in the IAEA Technical Reports Series No. 489 on the Status of Molten Salt Reactor Technology, published in 2023. Furthermore, discussions among stakeholders in the development and implementation of MSR fuel cycles emphasised the need for a consistent and robust terminology for MSR fuel cycles to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.

This need and the benefit of an effective collaborative approach to address it through a joint International Workshop were recognized and endorsed by the OECD/NEA Expert Group on Fuel Recycling and Waste Technology (EGFRW), under the auspices of the Working Party on Scientific Issues of Advanced Fuel Cycles (WPFC), and by the IAEA Technical Working Group on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Options and Spent Fuel Management (TWG-NFCO). Later on, the European Commission (EC) through its Joint Research Center has also expressed its interest to participate in the organization of the Workshop. This joint effort aims at effectively using and managing resources and international expertise to pursue the ultimate goal to expand the knowledge and support the development and deployment of molten salt reactor systems, through synergies between the three international organizations (IAEA, EC-JRC and OECD/NEA). ?

The Workshop participants are expected to actively contribute to the development of a draft taxonomy of MSR fuel cycles and a glossary of related terminologies through collaborative participation in designated technical and working sessions. It should be noted that the scope of the taxonomy exercise for MSR fuel cycles will be focused on liquid, chloride and fluoride-based, fuels unique to MSRs (i.e., solid fuels, which can also be implemented in non-MSR designs, are not considered in this exercise).

Objectives

The purpose of the event is to identify and establish a taxonomy for the fuel cycle options related to molten salt reactor technologies, and to draft a suitable terminology for the different stages of the fuel cycles to facilitate public communication on this complex topic.

Target Audience

The event is designed for experts from NEA member countries and IAEA member states including a broad range of stakeholders with knowledge of the fuel cycle technologies for MSRs: e.g., R&D, MSR developers and vendors, industry, regulators, governmental authorities, and waste management organizations. Participants should be actively involved in the subject of the event and have experience and/or expertise in the relevant topics.