The Steering Committee for Nuclear Energy held its 151st meeting on 23–24 April 2026 in Paris, France, to review ongoing activities of the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and discuss developments affecting global nuclear energy cooperation and trade. The committee, which serves as the NEA’s governing body, meets twice each year to assess progress across its programme of work and to evaluate collaborative initiatives among member countries.
During the April session, participants examined the NEA’s budget, strategic priorities, and key operational activities. Discussions also covered recent analytical outputs, engagement with international partners, and cooperation with non-member countries. The meeting provided an opportunity for members to assess the direction of ongoing projects and identify areas requiring further coordination.
A policy session focused on system costs, featuring a presentation on the NEA’s system cost analyses. These studies are based on detailed information about national electricity systems and supported by advanced techno-economic modelling. The approach aims to provide a comprehensive view of how different energy sources interact within broader power systems, including reliability, integration, and operational considerations.
The analyses are developed in close collaboration with country experts and policymakers, allowing the NEA to construct policy scenarios tailored to specific national conditions. The methodology also considers long-term planning assumptions and the implications of different technology mixes. The NEA has already completed system cost studies for Switzerland and Sweden, while a similar assessment is currently underway in Korea.
Participants discussed how such analyses can support decision-making by offering insight into the broader economic and operational impacts of energy system choices. These studies are intended to complement existing national planning efforts and provide comparative perspectives across different markets.
The meeting also included a policy briefing addressing export controls and their influence on global nuclear trade and cooperation. Presentations from government representatives, industry stakeholders, and the NEA Secretariat outlined current trends in nuclear deployment and cross-border collaboration. The session examined how export control frameworks intersect with expanding nuclear development activities.
Discussions highlighted that nuclear energy projects increasingly involve large-scale infrastructure investments, complex supply chains, and coordination across multiple jurisdictions. These characteristics introduce additional considerations for export controls, particularly when projects require specialized equipment, engineering services, and technical knowledge transfers.
Participants also reviewed structural and administrative challenges associated with implementing export control requirements. These challenges include aligning regulatory processes, managing compliance obligations, and ensuring consistent interpretation across participating countries. Stakeholders noted that the growing scale and complexity of nuclear initiatives require greater coordination between governments and industry.
The session further explored implementation issues linked to intangible technology transfers, including expertise, design knowledge, and operational methodologies. As international collaboration expands, these elements are becoming more prominent within nuclear projects, prompting discussion on how export control policies apply in such contexts.
Members also considered the role of supply chains in nuclear energy deployment. Large nuclear projects typically involve multiple suppliers, specialized manufacturing processes, and long project timelines. Participants discussed how export control measures can influence procurement strategies, project scheduling, and cross-border collaboration within these supply chains.
In addition, the committee reviewed global relations and cooperation activities undertaken by the NEA. These discussions included engagement with non-member countries and efforts to support knowledge sharing and technical collaboration. Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue as nuclear energy development continues in various regions.
The Steering Committee also assessed ongoing analytical work and technical initiatives across the NEA’s programme. These efforts include studies related to energy systems, technology development, and policy evaluation. Members discussed how these initiatives contribute to understanding future energy pathways and support informed decision-making.
The meeting concluded with an overview of next steps and upcoming activities. The committee is expected to continue reviewing programme progress and addressing emerging topics during its next session. The following Steering Committee for Nuclear Energy meeting is scheduled to take place in October 2026.
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