Working Groups in Action: January 2026 Highlights
The January 2026 Working Group meetings brought together members from across the global nuclear value chain to advance practical work programmes, test assumptions, and coordinate industry responses to shared challenges. Across technical, regulatory, commercial and communications-focused groups, discussions reflected a strong emphasis on delivery, implementation and near-term priorities.
Below is a snapshot of the key outcomes from each Working Group.
Advancing reactor licensing and standardisation (CORDEL)
The Cooperation in Reactor Design Evaluation and Licensing (CORDEL) Working Group reviewed progress on reactor design assessment and licensing, with a particular focus on how regulatory change may affect the international deployment of standardised reactor designs. Members prepared for the launch of a new project examining recent and ongoing regulatory developments across multiple jurisdictions, assessing their implications for global deployment and the goal of tripling nuclear capacity worldwide. The group also received an update on CORDEL’s upcoming joint workshop with the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency on efficient and effective licensing of new nuclear power plants.
Translating deployment ambition into supply-chain readiness
The Supply Chain & Long-Term Operation Working Group focused on aligning deployment timelines with manufacturing capacity and investment signals. Members discussed near-term project pipelines and demand for major components, with input from leading vendors and manufacturers. Updates were provided on the World Nuclear Supply Chain Report demand and supply studies, and initial steps were taken toward establishing a sub-group on major component manufacturing, including targeted case studies and quality standards such as ISO 19443.
Preparing the next World Nuclear Fuel Report
The Fuel Report Working Group formally began work on the 2027 edition of the World Nuclear Fuel Report. More than 50 members participated in person and online, reflecting broad engagement across utilities and suppliers. Leadership nominations for the Working Group and sub-groups were announced. Members discussed how utilities can contribute demand projections based on existing fleets and new build plans, and how suppliers can assess future capacity needs. The meeting also included presentations on the forthcoming World Nuclear Outlook Report and updates on sustainability reporting initiatives from the ESG Working Group.
Strengthening nuclear transport and logistics
The Transport Working Group focused on two priority areas: Denial of Shipment and the transport of advanced fuels, including HALEU. Members shared practical case studies on addressing shipment denials, including Brazil’s experience working with its National Focal Point, alongside a European Commission perspective on Denial of Shipment in the EU. The group reviewed progress on a proposed Joint Statement aimed at improving alignment between industry, regulators and other stakeholders.
Members also began discussions on the transport implications of advanced fuels and next-generation reactors, covering emerging regulatory, packaging and logistical considerations. Technical presentations highlighted innovative transport solutions, including the DX 30X package for HALEU fuel and operational experience with TRISO fuel. Updates were also provided on engagement with international partners, including the World Nuclear Transport Institute and preparations for the IAEA Conference on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material in March 2026.
Addressing evolving security challenges
The Security Working Group examined emerging risks facing nuclear deployment and supply chains, with an emphasis on practical risk management and international alignment. Topics included drone-related threats, nuclear-powered commercial shipping, and adjacent risk vectors such as potential CFSI implications. Members also discussed how industry can contribute to ongoing IAEA nuclear security guidance, including work on Security by Design. The discussions reinforced the importance of coordinated industry input as nuclear programmes expand, and supply chains grow more complex.
Shaping international radiological protection approaches
The Radiological Protection Working Group held a two-day meeting combining updates from international organisations with focused work on industry positions. Representatives from the IAEA, ICRP, ICRU, OECD NEA and NCRP outlined their 2025–2026 priorities, including developments related to the LNT model, SMRs and low-dose exposures. Members progressed an industry position statement on low-dose decision-making, planned for publication in early 2026, and advanced joint work assessing the implications of ICRU Report 95, including cost, implementation and proportionality considerations.
Strengthening sustainability and ESG alignment
Discussions across ESG-related activities focused on practical tools and policy developments affecting fuel-cycle companies and utilities. Members agreed to update the Uranium Checklist, a pre-audit questionnaire designed to support on-site and remote supplier audits. The updated checklist aims to standardise sustainability auditing practices while helping companies at earlier stages of ESG maturity better understand and respond to utility requirements. The group also reviewed key policy developments, including ISSB disclosure standards and the EU Taxonomy.
Advancing decommissioning and waste management practices
The Material, Waste Management and Decommissioning Working Group combined a plenary session with focused expert discussions. The plenary session featured updates from the IAEA, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the European Commission on current activities related to decommissioning and radioactive waste management. Members also discussed advances in technologies such as robotics, automation and 3D modelling, and their role in improving safety, efficiency and project delivery.
A second-day expert session focused on developing a report on advancing regulatory alignment for the nuclear back end. This work aims to support more consistent and efficient approaches to decommissioning and waste management across jurisdictions.
Rethinking used fuel management beyond 2040
The Used Fuel Management Working Group finalised a draft report exploring potential new business models for managing used nuclear fuel, including fuel take-back, shared infrastructure, multinational repositories, co-location of reactors and disposal facilities, deep borehole disposal, and fuel leasing. Members reviewed recent U.S. policy developments and held a joint session with the Fuel Report Working Group to explore fuel-cycle pathways beyond 2040. This forward-looking work aims to support long-term strategic decision-making and alignment with 2050 targets.
Unlocking financing and new business models
The Economics, Law and Finance (ELF) Working Group explored practical pathways to support nuclear financing and scale-up. Discussions covered emerging business models, partnerships and legal and economic frameworks, with real-world case studies ranging from SMR partnerships to demand signals from data centres and cryptocurrency markets. Members also reviewed legislative changes in India and discussed findings from the World Nuclear Outlook Report. The group examined new WNA initiatives, including the Financing Nuclear Briefing Series and the development of a Nuclear Investment Guide, supported by a newly established task force.
Enhancing industry communications capability
The Communications Working Group explored emerging tools and best practices to support public engagement and trust. Presentations examined the use of AI in communications, including synthetic audiences and digital ecosystems, alongside practical case studies from major industry events. Discussions focused on how members can apply these insights to communicate more transparently, effectively and consistently in an evolving media landscape.
Join us at our next Working Group meetings
The next Working Group meetings will take place on 13 -14 April in conjunction with World Nuclear Fuel Cycle Conference in Monaco, followed by 7 - 9 September in London ahead of the World Nuclear Symposium. These meetings will build on the outcomes from January, advancing active projects and refining draft deliverables. Members who wish to contribute their expertise and shape ongoing work are encouraged to join the relevant Working Groups. To find out how to get involved, please contact members@world-nuclear.org.