Working Groups

The WNA WorkingGroups are forums through which the enterprises of the global nuclear industry share information, conduct analysis, prepare WNA Position Statements, and develop and implement strategies to advance their collective interest in the safe and expanding worldwide use of nuclear power.

Some Working Groups coordinate WNA representation in international forums, others engage to share international knowledge and strengthen industry capabilities in a wide range of topics.

Each Working Group is chaired by an expert from the WNA membership, and has a mentor from the WNA Board. The WNA Secretariat provides administrative and technical support. 

The Working Group activities cover a wide range of topics. For a detailed description of WNA Working Group plans and activities, download the pdf.

The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Plenary Session is a forum for WNA Members to discuss developments in nuclear fuel and trade.

The Cooperation in Reactor Design Evaluation and Licensing WG defines steps and mechanisms needed to promote the industry goals of standardization in reactor design requirements and harmonization of regulatory practice.

The Fuel Market Report Drafting Group produces a biennial WNA Report that compiles data from WNA member companies, national sources and international agencies to produce an authoritative projection of the global fuel market. The use of WNA member companies' insights and understanding of the nuclear fuel cycle gives the report a unique credibility.

The Nuclear Law and Contracting WG addresses crucial legal issues surrounding nuclear new-build and the start-up of nuclear power operations in new nations.

The Capacity Optimization WG identifies means by which nuclear plant operators worldwide can improve both efficiency and performance.

The Industry Economics WG gathers and analyses data essential to accurate assessment of industry economics and project structuring, together with the associated financing.

The Uranium Mining Standardization WG enables companies to demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility by strengthening and gaining better public recognition of industry stewardship of uranium from mining to disposal.

The Security of the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle WG provides a coherent industry response to diverse proposals to "internationalize" sensitive aspects of the fuel cycle and proposals to establish an international nuclear fuel bank.

The Radiological Protection WG enables the nuclear industry to share its experience of radiation protection practice and contribute with one voice to the international development of rational radiological protection standards.

The Supply Chain WG seeks to facilitate safe, timely and cost efficient construction and refurbishment of nuclear power plants and develop common approaches to the quality challenges facing suppliers to the nuclear power sector.

The Transport WG is a forum for suppliers, utilities and transport specialists to discuss best practice, and to address issues affecting the efficient international movement of nuclear materials.

The Fuel Technology WG addresses growing interest in "evolutionary" LWR and PHWR fuel technologies that could be commercially deployed in the foreseeable future.

The Waste Management and Decommissioning WG provides a forum for companies to share good practices in nuclear facility decommissioning and promotes the availability of sound waste management frameworks worldwide.

The Strategic Advisory Group is an advisory body to the WNA Board seeking to identify challenges facing the global nuclear industry, opportunities to advance its position in international, regional and national policy arenas, and ways to improve the public acceptance of nuclear energy.