Rosatom Presents Balanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle Solutions at IAEA Conference

Russian delegation outlines priorities for improving the efficiency of nuclear material use and advancing the closed nuclear fuel cycle

The international conference on Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain for Sustainable Nuclear Power Development, held under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has concluded in Vienna, Austria. Representatives of Rosatom enterprises delivered presentations on the development of the nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) and took part in discussions on key industry issues.

One of the conference’s topics was improving the efficiency of nuclear material use. For the first time in the history of IAEA conferences, the discussion of nuclear material recycling was established as a separate track, chaired by Mikhail Baryshnikov, Director of the Department at TENEX, Joint Stock Company.

“By advancing nuclear material recycling technologies, Rosatom offers partner countries a comprehensive set of solutions within the Balanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle product line. This approach enables the practical implementation of sustainable development principles through more efficient resource utilisation and the return of valuable materials to the nuclear fuel cycle. This work requires the consistent advancement of technologies and ongoing professional dialogue at the international level. I am pleased that the presentations delivered by Russian representatives generated substantial interest and a lively response from participants from various countries and organisations,” said Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Discussions at the conference reaffirmed the importance of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) reprocessing and the return of recovered materials to the nuclear fuel cycle. These solutions enable more efficient use of natural uranium, reduce demand for primary resources and establish the technological foundations for closing the nuclear fuel cycle.

The Balanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle is Rosatom’s integrated offering for international customers. It enables the management of spent nuclear fuel at minimal cost, without passing the burden of its accumulation on to future generations, while maximising the value of materials recovered through reprocessing. The solution relies on a centralized SNF management system and a fleet of fast neutron reactors in the Russian Federation.

TENEX, Joint Stock Company (brand name TENEX) is one of the world’s largest suppliers of nuclear fuel cycle products and services, meeting a significant share of the uranium enrichment service requirements of foreign-designed reactors. TENEX was established in 1963 within the USSR Ministry of Foreign Trade to fulfil state objectives in the export of products.

For 60 years, the company has successfully represented Russia’s nuclear industry on the global market, maintaining its reputation as a reliable supplier. TENEX, JSC is the parent company of of the Sales and Trading Division of Rosatom State Corporation.