Participants in the eighth joint session of the CDLM and the RWMC
In March 2026, the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) hosted its annual “Back-End Week,” a pivotal event that gathered over 120 participants from 25 countries, highlighting the international commitment to radioactive waste management and nuclear decommissioning. This year’s event welcomed high-level representatives from various organizations, including the European Commission, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Nuclear Association (WNA), and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), further enriching the dialogue on global nuclear challenges.
The week was marked by a series of focused plenary meetings held by the Regulators’ Forum (RF), the NEA Committee on Decommissioning of Nuclear Installations and Legacy Management (CDLM), and the NEA Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC), culminating in a joint CDLM–RWMC session. These gatherings served as a crucial platform for member countries to exchange insights on recent developments in the field, align on future priorities, and enhance cooperation among NEA bodies and other international organizations.
One highlight of the event was the topical sessions, which aimed to explore emerging challenges in the sector. Discussions included integrating stakeholder input into regulatory decision-making, fostering dialogue among government, regulators, and operators in the context of nuclear decommissioning, and addressing the management of spent fuel and high-level waste in smaller nuclear programs. An intriguing focus was also placed on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing information management throughout the nuclear fuel cycle.
The RF’s session on integrating stakeholder input into regulatory decision-making revealed that successful engagement relies heavily on transparency and structured processes. Participants underscored the necessity of building trust, facilitating stakeholders’ understanding of complex technical issues, and ensuring their contributions are meaningfully reflected in regulatory outcomes. This segment of the discussions illustrated the evolving expectations of governance in nuclear sectors, emphasizing the need for continuous dialogue.
Examining government–regulator–operator interactions in nuclear decommissioning was a focal point of the CDLM session. Drawing on case studies from the United Kingdom, attendees engaged in breakout discussions that examined institutional roles and governance frameworks. They explored collaborative practices and the inherent challenges in translating policy into actionable implementation, aiming to forge a clearer path toward effective decommissioning strategies.
During the RWMC session, discussions pivoted to the management of spent fuel (SF) and high-level waste (HLW) in small or emerging nuclear programs. Participants deliberated on a wide spectrum of technical, regulatory, and economic considerations essential for optimal management of SF and HLW in countries with smaller nuclear inventories. An emphasis was placed on the benefits of international collaboration, with key takeaways highlighting the need for established experience, strategic dialogue on long-term management approaches, and enhanced alignment of regulatory frameworks. Political commitment and societal support were underscored as vital components for the advancement of shared solutions.
The joint CDLM–RWMC session introduced a critical conversation on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for information, data, and knowledge management (IDKM) in radioactive waste management and decommissioning. This constructive dialogue clarified various AI concepts that are applicable in the context of radioactive waste, including both generative and agentic forms of AI. Participants identified relevant use cases, drawing from member surveys and case studies to discuss practical implementations. They also addressed barriers and prioritized areas for future AI initiatives within the IDKM program.
Overall, the 2026 Back-End Week solidified its standing as a key platform for coordination, knowledge exchange, and strategic reflection within the international radioactive waste management and decommissioning community. A strong message emerged throughout the week: to achieve a more holistic and sustainable approach in the lifecycle of nuclear programs, there is a pressing need to integrate back-end considerations from the very early stages of planning and development.
Participants in the twenty-ninth plenary meeting of the Regulators’ Forum