Safety of advanced and innovative nuclear designs

Further research and innovation is needed to demonstrate the safety of advanced systems that offer increased sustainability, new non-electricity applications and flexibility in terms of adaptation to the energy mix with intermittent/variable sources. These advanced reactor technologies could also be deployed as small modular reactors, combining their specific properties and advanced coolant technologies.

Research proposals should:

• Keep the focus on safety by design, aiming at achieving a scientific consensus to ease the understanding and appropriation by the regulators of any innovative reactor concepts and their associated fuel cycles.
• Cover the viability phase of advanced technologies, when basic concepts are tested under relevant conditions. For example, proof of concept of better safety features, confirmation of safety improvements during the performance phase when engineering-scale processes are verified and optimised under prototypical conditions, and the demonstrat