The transition to a sustainable energy system requires addressing social, economic and environmental challenges simultaneously.

To explain this complexity, the World Energy Council (WEC) introduces the “energy trilemma”, which reflects the balance needed among energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability to build a fair and lasting energy strategy. Achieving this balance demands urgent decisions, coordination among multiple actors and dialogue supported by expert knowledge.

Within this framework, nuclear energy plays a key role, as safety requirements permeate all stages of its use, from design and operation to decommissioning and radioactive waste management. The nuclear fuel cycle therefore represents the structural component that links nuclear generation with the broader energy system. Understanding its stages is essential to ensuring the application of safety, efficiency and sustainability throughout the lifetime of the fuel.

The nuclear fuel cycle comprises a sequence of interconnected steps extending from uranium extraction to the final management of radioactive waste. Before entering a reactor, uranium must undergo mining and milling, conversion, enrichment and fuel fabrication. After irradiation, the spent fuel may be subjected to interim storage, reprocessing and recycling before the remaining waste is conditioned and disposed of.

Mission

WiN Fuel Group of Expertise seeks to cover all technical aspects of the nuclear fuel lifetime: uranium supply, design and engineering, manufacturing, services at the plant and waste management. Our purpose is the involvement of women interested in the nuclear fuel cycle. 

Role of WiN Fuel Partners

WiN Fuel was launched in September 2025. Operating as a group of expertise within WiN Global and with the key support of ENUSA, serves as a professional network focused on promoting, supporting and empowering women working across the nuclear fuel cycle. WiN Fuel is currently seeking further partner organizations from around the world.

Why WiN Fuel?

Although the presence of women is increasing among younger generations, they remain underrepresented in the nuclear sector. Through the WiN Fuel group, we aim to build a shared space at a global level, which promotes collaboration and strengthens the network of professionals working across the nuclear fuel cycle, while also encouraging new talent entering the field.

Objectives

• Share and disseminate scientific and technological knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle, through gender balanced webinars and workshops. 
• Increase women’s representations in the nuclear sector, by promoting collaboration and a professional network. 
• Meet regularly to exchange information and discuss news and launch initiatives.

 

Membership Application

Join us, share your expertise, and help shape meaningful impact across the WiN Global community.

► Complete the membership application form