Background
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) once again brings together the fast reactor and related fuel cycles communities by organizing the International Conference on Fast Reactors and Related Fuel Cycles: Sustainable Clean Energy for the Future (FR26). The FR26 Conference will be hosted by the People’s Republic of China via the China Institute for Atomic Energy (CIAE) in Beijing. This conference is a follow-up of the previous successful IAEA Conferences in Kyoto (2009), Paris (2013), Yekaterinburg (2017), and in Vienna (2022). The last Conference, FR22, was attended by almost 473 participants from 30 countries and four international organizations, delivering 198 oral and 63 poster presentations on different fields of fast reactor and related fuel cycle technologies.
Fast neutron reactors and related fuel cycles are widely recognized as key to the long-term sustainability of nuclear power. Unlike conventional thermal reactors, fast reactors can use fuel much more efficiently. In a fully closed fuel cycle, they can extract 60–70 times more energy from uranium and significantly reduce high-level radioactive waste.
Many countries are actively developing fast reactor technologies, including innovative reactor designs and advanced small modular reactors. These technologies use a variety of coolants such as sodium, lead, lead-bismuth eutectic, gas, molten salt. Several demonstration projects—both small and large—are in various stages of study, design, construction and operation. National and international efforts are also focused on developing suitable fuels and fuel cycles for these advanced systems.
At FR26, a “Young Generation Event” will be organised to engage young generation in innovative fast neutron systems development. It will be a great opportunity for young academicians and professionals to participate and present their ideas and to have a forum of discussion for potential synergisms and collaborations.
Objectives
The purpose of the event is to serve as a platform for global collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of fast reactor and advanced fuel cycle technologies. Key objectives of the conference include i) identifying strategic and technical options proposed by countries, organizations and private companies; ii) promoting sustainable development of safe, secure, and economically viable fast reactor system technologies; iii) identifying and addressing critical technical challenges and knowledge gaps in relation to the industrial deployment of fast reactors and related fuel cycles. The conference goal will also be engaging young scientists and engineers to promote innovation, diversity including gender equality and future leadership in the development of innovative fast reactor concepts and related fuel cycles.
Themes and Topics
The conference programme will include plenary and parallel sessions, poster sessions, panel discussions and a Young Generation Event.
The IAEA welcomes high quality contributions that fall under the umbrella of the nine topics listed below:
Track 1: Innovative Fast Reactor Designs?
Advanced fast reactor concepts, including core, systems, and components design, small modular fast reactors, and deployment strategies aligned with future energy systems.?
Track 2: Fast Reactor Safety?and Licensing
Safety approaches, analysis methods, passive systems, severe accident behaviour, 3S (Safety, Security, Safeguards), safety requirements and the regulatory framework for fast neutron reactors.?
Track 3: Fuel Cycle Technologies and Sustainability?
Fuel cycle strategies and their impacts on waste minimization, hydro and pyro processes and associated waste streams, infrastructures, enablers (e.g., transportation).,?
Track 4: Fast Reactor Fuels and Materials?
Fuel and structural materials, coolant chemistry and related technologies??
Track 5: Test Facilities and Experiments?
Experimental infrastructure and test facilities, including component tests, and integral experiments?
Track 6: Modelling and Simulation?
Computational methods, multi-physics tools, validation and verification, and the use of AI and machine learning.?
Track 7: Economics, Integrated Systems, and Non-Electric Applications?
Economic assessments, integration with other energy systems, non-electric uses (e.g. hydrogen production and desalination).?
Track 8: Commissioning, Operation, and Decommissioning?
Practical experience in starting up, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of fast reactors, including instrumentation and control technologies, in-service inspections, and management of waste streams. ?
Track 9: Public Engagement, Knowledge Management, and Education and Training?
Approaches and experiences for building public support, stakeholder engagement, knowledge preservation, and training to support long-term development.?