New innovative approaches to reactor safety

Specific challenge: Some very innovative reactor safety concepts are investigated, which could become breakthrough options if their scientific and practical maturity is demonstrated. The Euratom research, with its focus on safety and reliability and optimal waste management, should also consider such possible breakthrough options.

Scope: The aim will be to allow promising designs to move from the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1 to TRL 3, or from TRL 2 to TRL 3 as defined in Annex to this work programme. Focus will be on the proof of concept regarding safety (e.g. passive safety systems and new approaches to severe accidents management), reliability and quality assurance (e.g. industrial standards). Advanced experimental and numerical simulation tools to evaluate the viability and performance should support this research. It should be undertaken in close cooperation with industry and regulators whose involvement is indispensable at an early stage of design. International cooperation could be beneficial in this area.

Expected impact: This action will offer top-level scientists a level playing field for highly innovative ideas enabling them to demonstrate the feasibility of advanced safety concepts. It will open-up new avenues towards reactor safety design. In the medium / long term, this action should lead to new orientation and breakthrough in nuclear safety.

Type of action: Research and innovation actions.

Additional information: The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the Euratom of between EUR 2 and 4 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.