Nuclear Research and Training

ExpectedOutcome : Project results are expected to contribute to some of the following outcomes: Development of know-how and tools for the improvement of safety in relation to the design and safe operation of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and Research Reactors, including resistance against natural and anthropocentric impacts, conditions for long-term operations, enhanced accident tolerant fuels, and preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergency, response and recovery (synergies with the European Partnership for research in radiation protection and detection of ionising radiation (Topic HORIZON-EURATOM-2021-NRT-01-09 ) should be fostered). Development of methods and tools for operational innovation and digital transition (e.g. I&C) and for ensuring availability of systems, structures and components, including fuel assemblies, needed for reliable and safe operation of NPPs. Development of methods and tools for maintenance (Non-Destructive Testing, repair, replacement, chemical cleaning), and for monitoring, preventing and mitigating the ageing effects of structural materials and components, for long-term operation, including the use of advanced models based on state-of-the-art computational techniques. Uncertainties assessment will also be included. Development of methods and tools for core and plant advanced surveillance, monitoring, diagnostics and prognostics. Development of tools and methods for improvement of the capabilities and safety of NPPs in the transition to future low-carbon and smart energy systems, and in flexible operation. Development and use of deterministic and risk assessment methods improving safety, reliability and availability of active and passive systems for present reactors, reinforcing NPP safety provisions through a better understanding of some predominant phenomena with the fundamental support of experimentation. Update of the Severe Accident Management Guidelines and experimental research on severe accident prevention and mitigation mechanisms (e.g. passive phenomenology) and aiming at “practical” elimination of risks associated with an extended core melt or spent fuel damage for all reactors currently in operation in EU and for reactors to be licensed for design-life extensions, i.e. long-term operation. Preparation of recommendations, tools and guidelines for knowledge management to maintain know-how and for implementation of actions dedicated to maximise safety-related return from experience. Preparation of recommendations for calculations and tests which could be usefully performed on NPPs before decommissioning, and for calculations and tests required to be performed on crucial NPP components after decommissioning in relation to the validation of ageing models. Effective promotion of a safety culture, integration of human factor in safety assessment, inclusion of research needs of Member States’ nuclear safety regulators, supporting implementation of training requirements of the Nuclear Safety Directive [1] . Development of nuclear safety culture in publics and authorities other than the nuclear safety regulators. Scope : To achieve the general objectives of the Programme [2] , the proposed research should aim at developing knowledge, tools and guidelines supporting safe operation of existing nuclear power plants and research reactors, including long-term operation and management of fuel with increased nuclear fuel burnup and enrichment, and allowing for knowledge-based decisions by operators and regulators. Advanced safety systems for existing Generation II and III nuclear plants could also be included in research proposals, especially with new build. Research could include safe and trusted AI-enabled core monitoring/diagnostics, integrity assessments of systems, structures and components, in-service inspection and qualification, definition of updated integrity requirements, load quantification, evaluation of ageing and reliability of components of different systems. It could also addre