Full Title: Recycling: A Key Enabler for Sustainable Nuclear Fuel Cycles
Author(s): Nuclear Energy Agency
Publisher(s): Nuclear Energy Agency
Publication Date: October 29, 2025
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Description (excerpt):
As the global nuclear energy landscape evolves, there is a compelling strategic case for revitalising approaches to used fuel recycling.
Recycling enables the recovery and reuse of valuable materials from used fuel, reducing the demand for newly mined uranium, lowering the volume and radiotoxicity of high-level waste, and strengthening the resilience of global supply chains amid rising energy needs. It also supports the development of the next generation of nuclear reactor technologies, many of which are specifically designed to operate on recycled fuel. Moreover, recycling aligns with broader circular economy principles and offers the nuclear industry an opportunity to shift away from linear “extract-use-dispose” models towards a more sustainable and efficient resource strategy. Realising the full potential of nuclear fuel recycling requires forward-looking policies, supportive regulatory frameworks and focused investment. The paper outlines strategic requirements to guide government decision making and identifies enabling actions to support the circular economy.
By carefully sequencing and tailoring policy efforts to national contexts, countries can preserve and optimise existing capabilities, successfully scale up emerging technologies, and develop new infrastructure. This approach will unlock innovation, reinforce strategic independence and ensure sustainable, long-term waste management. The decisions made today will shape the future of nuclear energy.