[en] For more than 20 years, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has been conducting international studies related to the partitioning and transmutation (P and T) of nuclear waste, including physics, chemistry and material issues, as well as fuel cycle and radioactive waste management strategies. The information exchange meetings on actinide and fission product partitioning and transmutation, organised under the auspices of the Nuclear Science Committee (NSC) and the Nuclear Development Committee (NDC), are part of this programme with the objective of enhancing the value of basic research in the field of P and T by providing experts with a forum to present and discuss current developments in the field and by supporting international collaborations. Recently, the NEA reviewed the potential benefits and impacts of advanced fuel cycles with partitioning and transmutation, as well as national programmes in chemical partitioning. The NEA has also compared criteria for a choice between homogeneous and heterogeneous recycle modes and studied the impact of P and T on potential radiological storage and repositories. This paper provides an overview of results from recent NEA activities in the field of P and T and provides an insight into ongoing projects and planned future activities. (authors)

[en] The OECD Nuclear Energy Agency is conducting a series of international projects related to partitioning and transmutation (P and T) of nuclear waste. Experts from around the world are working in collaboration to produce reports on the advances and progresses of R and D in P and T as well as helping to determine the gap and needs in the field. Studies are in progress to gain further insights into the sustainability of the nuclear fuel cycle. Current activities comprise a review of Integral Experiments for Minor Actinide Management and a study of Minor Actinide Burning in Thermal Reactors. Benefits of implementing P and T technologies have also been explored as well as different fuel cycle scenarios. In addition, activities related to advanced fuel design and the development of innovative fuels and cladding materials for advanced systems are also being undertaken. (authors)

No abstract available

[en] OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) activities in the field of partitioning and transmutation (P and T) are introduced by reviewing past and current projects. Since 1989 the NEA has been pursuing activities relevant to P and T through different working groups dealing with nuclear data evaluation, physics of P and T systems (critical and subcritical), fuel cycle chemistry, material and fuel science, safety of P and T related installations, and the impact of advanced fuel cycles in the management of radioactive waste. In addition, the agency has organised this series of information exchange meetings, aiming at providing experts with a forum to present and discuss current developments in the field. This paper is intended as a guide to the different publications stemming from the international collaborative efforts co-ordinated by the NEA. (authors)

[en] Since 1989, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has been conducting international studies related to partitioning and transmutation (P and T) of nuclear waste, covering issues related to the physics and chemistry of P and T, including accelerators, targets, and fuel and structural materials, as well as fuel cycle and radioactive waste management strategies. The information exchange meetings on Actinide and Fission Product Partitioning and Transmutation, organised under the auspices of the Nuclear Development Committee (NDC) and the Nuclear Science Committee (NSC), are part of this programme. Their objective is to enhance the value of basic research in the field of P and T by providing experts with a forum to present and discuss current developments in the field and by supporting international collaborations. This paper provides an overview of results from recent NEA activities in the field of P and T and gives an insight into ongoing projects and planned future activities. (authors)

[en] Innovation has been a driving force for the success of nuclear energy and remains essential for its sustainable future. Many research and development programmes focus on enhancing the performance of power plants in operation, current fuel design and characteristics, and fuel cycle processes used in existing facilities. Generally performed under the leadership of the industry. Some innovation programmes focus on evolutionary reactors and fuel cycles, derived from systems of the current generation. Such programmes aim at achieving significant improvements, in the field of economics or resource management for example, in the medium term. Often, they are undertaken by the industry with some governmental support as they require basic research together with technological development and adaptation. Finally, large programmes, often undertaken in an international, intergovernmental framework are devoted to design and development of a new generation of systems meeting the goals of sustainable development in the long term. Driving forces for nuclear innovation vary depending on the target technology, the national framework and the international context surrounding the research programme. However, all driving factors can be grouped in three categories: market drivers, political drivers and technology drivers. Globally, innovation in the nuclear energy sector is a success story but is a lengthy process that requires careful planning and adequate funding to produce successful outcomes

[en] This issue contains a selection of articles from the S.F.E.N. convention 2006, held in Paris, June 13 and 14, 2006, which was dedicated to nuclear fuel. the second part will be published in R.G.N. 5 2006. (author)