International engagement
Nuleaf is active in international networks and research projects. Through these we learn from the experience of others on decommissioning, Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) siting processes and the social, economic and environmental aspects of nuclear legacy management. We are also able to share our insights on the large and complex nuclear legacy in the UK, and the role that local authorities and communities play.
GMF Europe
The Group of European Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities (GMF) is a network for local authorities from across the continent. It has members in countries as diverse as Sweden, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland and France.
The network organises meetings and site visits to nuclear facilities and engages with the European Union and Commission to represent members views and influence nuclear policy and strategy. Nuleaf’s Executive Director is currently a Vice-President of the organisation. GMF membership encompasses municipalities with an interest in legacy, operational and new nuclear sites.
More recently Nuleaf has been working with GMF colleagues and our sister organisations in the USA and Canada to help establish a Global Partnership of Nuclear Communities. This initiative, supported by the IAEA Director General, is set for expansion, engaging nuclear communities in other continents.
IAEA
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a global organisation based in Vienna. It reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. Its objective is to “… seek to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world.”
There is growing recognition within IAEA that local communities have an essential role to play in radioactive waste management programmes, both in decision making processes and programme implementation. Nuleaf is a key participant in what are now regular global meetings on stakeholder engagement, hosted by the IAEA. Our Executive Director acts as an adviser to the Agency in developing these events and a reviewer of reports.
Forum on Stakeholder Confidence (FSC)
The Forum for Stakeholder Confidence (FSC) is an ongoing forum set up by the Nuclear Energy Agency, an agency which aims to facilitate the sharing of experience in the societal aspects of radioactive waste management. The NEA is part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Nuleaf has been invited to act as an observer on the FSC and participate in its meetings. Our Vice-Chair, Cllr David Moore, addressed an NEA workshop on the decommissioning of nuclear facilities in the United Kingdom in late 2020.
Eurad
The European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management (Eurad), implemented a Strategic Programme of research and knowledge management activities at the European level, bringing together and complementing EU Member State/UK programmes. The aim was to inform delivery of safe, sustainable and publicly acceptable solutions for the management of radioactive waste now and in the future.
Nuleaf was a member of its Civil Society group made up of NGOs, community partnerships and other national and local community representative organisations. The programme concluded in 2024 and a new 5 year programme (EURAD2) is in development.