Nuclear and radiation techniques for EU strategic autonomy, circular economy and climate change policies

The potential for innovative ionising radiation applications is enormous and should support the EU’s strategic autonomy, circular economy and climate change policies. The areas are extensive and concern applications of charged particle beams (accelerators), x-rays, radioisotopes (alpha, beta and gamma emitters) and neutrons. For example, radiometric techniques and radioisotopes as tracers allow for monitoring climate change effects on ecosystems and soil, water and air pollution. Irradiation processes offer advantages over typical thermal and chemical processes, including higher throughput rates, reduced energy consumption, lower environmental pollution, more precise process control and products with superior qualities.

The development of nuclear and radiation techniques can help diversify the supply of secondary critical raw materials from non-EU countries and within Europe. Action in this area should develop EU capacity for innovative exploration and production of secondary raw materials and/or r